A Brief History

Planet Youth is a prevention model developed in Iceland in the late 1990s, initially known as the Icelandic Model for Primary Prevention of Substance Use. The model was created in response to alarming rates of substance use among Icelandic youth, which were among the highest in Europe at the time.

In 1997, the Icelandic government, along with researchers and community leaders, initiated a comprehensive, data-driven approach to address these issues. They conducted extensive surveys to understand the factors contributing to substance use and identified key protective factors that could be strengthened to reduce risk.

The model emphasised community engagement, youth participation, and the importance of creating supportive environments that encourage healthy behaviors. Over the years, Iceland introduced policies and programs that focused on increasing youth participation in organised activities, enhancing parental involvement, and promoting school connectedness.

The results were remarkable. Within a decade, substance use among Icelandic youth dropped dramatically, with reductions in smoking, alcohol, and drug use. The success of this approach led to the creation of Planet Youth, an international initiative aimed at adapting and implementing the model in other countries and communities worldwide.

Today, Planet Youth is recognised as one of the most successful prevention models globally, with its strategies being adopted in various countries to improve youth outcomes and reduce substance use.

Exploring Planet Youth

Planet Youth's SucCess

Planet Youth Icelandic Prevention Model (IPM) was successful due to its comprehensive, community-driven approach that addressed the root causes of youth substance use. Here are the key factors behind its success:

Data-Driven Approach: The Icelandic Prevention Model (IPM) relied heavily on collecting and analysing data from surveys conducted with young people. These surveys provided insights into their behaviours, environments, and risk factors, allowing the programme to be tailored to the specific needs of the youth population. Regular data collection ensured that strategies could be adjusted in real-time based on emerging trends.
Strengthening Protective Factors: The programme focused on enhancing protective factors such as strong family bonds, school connectedness, and involvement in extracurricular activities. By encouraging participation in organised sports, arts and other hobbies, the model provided healthy outlets for youth, reducing the appeal of risky behaviors like substance use.
Community and Parental Involvement: The initiative heavily involved parents, schools, and local communities in its implementation. Parents and carers were educated on the importance of spending more time with their children and setting clear boundaries. Communities worked together to create safer, more engaging environments for youth, fostering a collective sense of responsibility.
Policy Changes: The Icelandic government supported the initiative by implementing policies that restricted access to alcohol and tobacco, enforced curfews, and promoted healthy lifestyles. These policies were crucial in creating an environment that discouraged substance use.
Youth Participation: Young people were not just the subjects of the programme but active participants in shaping it. Their input helped ensure that the interventions were relevant and effective. This involvement also fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility among the youth.
Long-Term Commitment: The programme was not a short-term intervention but a sustained effort over many years. This long-term commitment allowed for continuous improvement and adaptation of strategies based on what was working.

As a result of these combined efforts, substance use among Icelandic youth dropped dramatically. For example, the percentage of 15- and 16-year-olds who had been drunk in the past month fell from 42% in 1998 to just 5% in 2016. Similar reductions were seen in smoking and cannabis use. The success of the model has since inspired other countries to adopt and adapt the approach to their local contexts.

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