Almost half of child caregivers in Puerto Rico raise their children differently than they were raised.

Parenting Experiences Survey Reveals Generational Shifts in Discipline, Communication, and Family Priorities

The Survey of Child Rearing Experiences in Puerto Rico revealed, among other data, that 48.6% of surveyed caregivers use disciplinary styles different from those they experienced with their own parents, reflecting a possible generational shift in parenting practices and in how Puerto Rican families approach the upbringing, communication, and well-being of children.

The study, developed through an alliance between ESCAPE, the Family Strengthening Center, and the Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics, collected the experiences, challenges, and needs of 1,143 voluntary participants via a self-administered online questionnaire conducted between February and June 2025. The survey was descriptive in nature and explored topics related to parenting experiences, discipline and communication, technology and quality time, as well as support needs and expectations for children's futures.

Among the most relevant findings of the survey are:

• More than two-thirds of respondents stated that parenting is more difficult or much more difficult than they expected.

• The main challenge identified was achieving a work-life balance (62.3%).

• 44.3% cited lack of personal time and rest as one of their biggest challenges.

• 41.6% expressed a need for tools to manage stress and their own mental health.

• 57.2% reported arguments related to the use of technological devices at home.

• 4% identified the use of physical aggression as a disciplinary strategy.

• 94% of participants indicated that they praise their children's achievements "almost always" or "always."

• Most participants defined discipline as a formative tool for teaching values and setting clear boundaries.

The survey also reflected that caregivers prioritize the development of self-esteem and self-confidence, responsible decision-making, and healthy emotional management for children's futures.

"The information collected allows us to better understand how family dynamics are changing and what real challenges are faced by those responsible for raising children in Puerto Rico. This data is fundamental for developing more effective public policies, programs, and interventions tailored to the current needs of Puerto Rican families," stated Dr. Orville M. Disdier Flores, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics.

Meanwhile, Yadira Pizarro Quiles, Executive Director of ESCAPE, highlighted that the results provide an important X-ray of families' emotional and structural needs. "This survey confirms the importance of continuing to strengthen families through prevention. Understanding how mothers, fathers, and caregivers are experiencing parenting allows us to better direct our efforts, develop support tools, and promote strategies that strengthen children's well-being and help prevent child abuse in Puerto Rico."

As part of the strategic recommendations derived from the study, it is proposed to strengthen emotional support initiatives for caregivers, promote flexible work policies, drive digital literacy campaigns at home, and expand preventive education efforts on parenting and those related to child well-being and protection.

The Survey of Child Rearing Experiences in Puerto Rico is available at the following link: www.estadisticas.pr.gov/productos/encuesta-de-experiencias-de-crianza-de-menores-en-puerto-rico-2025.

Collective action and data drive the conversation about violence prevention in Puerto Rico

Experts analyzed statistics showing over 30 million controlled substance dispensations to nearly 2 million unique patients in Puerto Rico since 2019

The Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics hosted the symposium "Collective Action for Violence Prevention: Transforming Realities Through Prevention and Collective Action," a gathering that brought together researchers, public health professionals, justice system representatives, community organizations, and government officials to analyze trends, risk factors, and strategies aimed at preventing violence in Puerto Rico.

During the event, presentations and panels were held, including "Current Landscape of Violence Among Infants and Youth: Data and Trends," "Public Policy and Substance Use Prevention: Where Are We and Where Are We Going?," and "Multi-sectoral Action for the Protection of Women and the Eradication of Sexual Violence," all of which addressed various factors contributing to violence and opportunities for its prevention through multi-sector collaboration.

Among the data presented during the symposium, it was highlighted that since 2019, over 30 million controlled substance dispensations have been recorded for nearly 2 million unique patients in Puerto Rico. Participants also discussed statistics related to homicides, gun violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and substance use prevention, as well as early intervention strategies and community action.

In the panel on substance use prevention, it was highlighted that benzodiazepines currently account for 66.2% of controlled substance dispensations in Puerto Rico, while opioids make up 15.9%. Furthermore, the recorded growth in prescribed fentanyl dispensations was discussed, as well as the role of the Controlled Substance Monitoring Program (PDMP) as a tool to promote responsible prescribing, strengthen prevention, and support informed decision-making in the healthcare system.

Presentations on violence among infants and youth revealed that between 2017 and 2024, 4,813 homicides were reported in Puerto Rico, and 92.3% of the victims were men. Experts also highlighted that firearm homicides are the leading cause of death among youth aged 1 to 19 in Puerto Rico. It was also reported that 54% of homicides among men aged 15 to 44 are related to manifestations of collective violence, including organized crime and drug trafficking.

Meanwhile, the panel on the protection of women and the eradication of sexual violence presented statistics showing that during 2024 and 2025, the Puerto Rico Police investigated 17,695 incidents of domestic violence. Furthermore, it was highlighted that, according to the Risk Assessment Form, one in four female complainants evaluated during the second half of 2024 faced an imminent risk of death, and nearly one in five had survived a non-fatal strangulation episode, one of the main indicators associated with the risk of femicide.

Participating experts agreed that many manifestations of violence are rooted in adverse childhood experiences, including abuse, emotional neglect, and early exposure to trauma. They also emphasized the importance of strengthening early interventions, mentorship, community programs, and coordination among health, education, security, and justice systems to address the causes of violence before it occurs.

"This symposium reaffirms the importance of using data to better understand the challenges we face as a society and to guide concrete prevention actions. Violence cannot be addressed by a single sector. It requires collaboration, evidence, and the commitment of multiple stakeholders to identify its causes, intervene promptly, and protect our communities," said Dr. Orville M. Disdier, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics.

Study will reveal the profile of the Puerto Rican farmer

Study will reveal the profile of the Puerto Rican farmer

It will also help strengthen our food security

May 30, 2022. The Puerto Rico Statistics Institute (Institute) launched the questionnaire “Study on the Profile of the Puerto Rican Farmer” with the objective of collecting information, data and statistics on farmers and their crops, as well as incentives received by the Department of Agriculture.

“The information obtained in this questionnaire will help to develop a profile of farmers in Puerto Rico, which will allow us to identify possible barriers and challenges that they currently present. Getting to know our farmers better will help us promote and improve local agriculture and strengthen our food security,” said Dr. Orville M. Disdier Flores, executive director of the Institute, who called on all farmers to invest a few minutes to complete and share the questionnaire with other farmers before June 20. The questionnaire can be accessed through the following link: Farmer Profile Study

Disdier explained that the data obtained will also serve to justify various initiatives, such as, for example, the development of new public policies that promote better services for farmers and aid to improve food production in Puerto Rico. The information collected, Disdier explained, will also make it possible to strengthen data on the Statistics and Indicators of Agricultural Production in Puerto Rico, tool recently launched by the Institute and which is available at the following link: Agriculture.

For questions or help with the questionnaire, please contact Manuel A. Mangual, project coordinator, at the following email manuel.mangual@estadisticas.pr or at (787) 819-0730.

The Puerto Rico Statistics Institute is a governmental entity in the executive branch, with fiscal and administrative autonomy, whose main purpose is to ensure that Puerto Rico has complete, reliable statistics that are quickly and universally accessible. To learn more about the Institute of Statistics, you can access the website: www.estadisticas.pr.gov. On social media through Facebook accounts (@statistics.pr), Twitter (@EstadisticasPR), Instagram (@institutodeestadisticas) and LinkedIn (Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics).

‍