Frequently Asked Questions
Questions people ask here and in other communities where the Planet Youth model has been introduced.
WHY ARE you TAKING THIS APPROACH?
How is it different from other approaches?
Substance use is a complex issue, requiring a complex solution. While well-intentioned, short-term or one-time substance use prevention campaigns, programs, or events for young people do not often lead to lasting, measurable changes. Research has consistently shown that strengthening protective factors and reducing risk factors in a young person’s life has a greater impact on their substance use behaviour, along with influencing their overall mental, social and physical well-being.
The Planet Youth approach focuses on the root causes of substance misuse. It is a holistic approach, focusing on the community as a whole to build support networks that foster young people’s resilience, mental health, and well-being.
We believe that by building a positive and supportive community environment, we can improve the mental health and wellbeing of our young people and greatly diminish the use of nicotine, caffeine, alcohol, and other drugs, reducing the long-term health consequences of substance use among youth.
What is the scientific basis for it?
Since 1990, data and research have been compiled by social scientists at the Icelandic Center for Social Research and Analysis. The research confirms positive community responses to lowering risk factors and strengthening protective factors. An extensive library of papers published in peer-reviewed journals is available at https://planetyouth.org/the-method/publications/.
HOW DOES THE PLANET YOUTH APPROACH WORK?
What is the high-level process?
A collaborative approach is used to listen to the voices of young people to create meaningful change in their social environments. A big picture summary of what young people are experiencing is shared with young people, parents, caregivers, schools, and local youth-focused organizations. These findings empower communities to create healthier environments for young people by focussing on their families, schools, peers, and recreation activities.
What kinds of changes will Planet Youth lead to?
Every community has different needs, and Planet Youth does not offer a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, each community listens to their young people to determine what kind of supports or opportunities they would like to see in their community. Youth and their communities then work with partner organizations to implement solutions that meet their needs.
This might entail more opportunities for social engagement, sports involvement, and quality time with family, or something else entirely. It is up to each community and their young people to determine what makes the most sense for them based on the findings from the data and the local context.
How does the whole community benefit?
Our community becomes stronger, healthier, and more supportive by working together. Using an evidence-informed approach to pinpoint the physical and social environmental changes our community needs, will not only strengthen the health and well-being of our young people, but also saves time and money.
Prevention methods are about creating an environment where everyone feels safe, cared for and valued. That is a healthy community. People who grow up in a healthy and supportive community are more likely to become healthy and contributing members of society.
How can I get involved?
- If you’d like to have a voice in decision making and the implementation of initiatives, we welcome young people, parents, caregivers, community organizations or agency members, or interested members of the community to join the Oxford Planet Youth Coalition.
- We always welcome young people, families, caregivers and other community members to volunteer for any future events and activities.
- If you’re interested in learning more about getting involved, contact us at info@planetyouthoxford.ca
WHO IS INVOLVED IN THIS WORK?
Who in our community takes part?
Parents, caregivers, and the young people in our community play a vital role in supporting the approach. Their voices, experiences, and contributions are critical to successfully making changes using the approach.
Partners from sectors including health, education, recreation, faith communities, law enforcement, youth-serving agencies, service clubs along with many others all contribute to the Planet Youth approach and a shared common goal.
What is Iceland's role?
Experts on the Icelandic Prevention Model from a Planet Youth organization in Iceland will provide us with guidance and consultation during the first five years of the project. The Planet Youth organization runs a guidance program to help communities around the world implement the approach successfully by ensuring the ten steps of the Icelandic Prevention Model are followed.
In 2023, the Public Health Agency of Canada launched the Youth Substance Use Prevention Program (YSUPP) a national initiative that seeks to prevent or substance use and promote wellness by supporting the implementation of the Icelandic Prevention Model within a Canadian context. Communities across Canada are implementing the model with support from YSUPP funding.
The Icelandic Approach Community of Practice (CoP) was created by Southwestern Public Health in 2019 and later expanded to a National CoP under the YSUPP. It connects those interested or in the process of implementing the Icelandic Prevention Model to others across the country. There are two working groups under this National CoP so far: the Collaborative for Ontario Youth Substance Use Prevention and Youth Engagement Working Group.
THE SURVEYS
Why do we need another survey? Isn’t there enough evidence and research done already?
Most youth studies are conducted provincially or nationally, but we need to learn from our young people on a local and community level. A core component of the Planet Youth approach is listening to young peoples’ voices, helping them feel valued, heard, and respected as members of their community.
The Planet Youth survey is an important first step in hearing from young people and in using what we learn to guide our work in improving the social and physical environments our youth are growing up in.
Why do we survey grade 9 and 10 students?
We require a benchmark of where things are in terms of risk and protective factors, and evidence has shown this is the age group that works the best. Once we know where the risk factors are in our community, we can take steps to improve outcomes for children that are currently in lower grades. In five years, the grade 9 and 10 students that we survey will have been in grade 5 when the first survey was performed. We will be able to measure how much our communities have improved over the five years.
Grades 9 and 10 are also pivotal transition years, as students begin moving from childhood to adulthood, making their input especially useful. Young peoples’ perspectives at this age helps us understand why some people disengage from community activities, guiding us on where to allocate resources.
What kind of questions are in the survey?
The survey addresses risk and protective factors in four key areas of young people’s lives, including families, peers, schools, and recreation and leisure.
What role do the schools have in regard to the surveys?
The schools are where the majority of surveys will be done – in grade 9 and 10 classes. We will also be reaching out to displaced youth who may not be part of the formal school setting through community-based survey data collection.
Who will have access to the findings and data?
Once the Planet Youth consultancy agency analyzes the data, schools will receive school-level reports for their internal planning and programming uses. Community-level results will be shared with community partners to allow for action plans to be created.
What role do parents and caregivers have?
Parents and caregivers can be some of the most influential people in a young person’s life.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to support the surveys by granting permission for their child to participate. The surveys are fully confidential.
Parents and caregivers also have a huge role in raising protective factors, as part of a youth’s sphere of influence is their family. Interestingly, Planet Youth research has shown it is not just about quality time you spent with parents and caregivers; it is also about the quantity of time.
What role do young people/students have?
The confidential surveys are an opportunity for young people to have their voices heard. The quality of the findings are only as accurate as the responses that young people provide. Once the survey results are received, young people will be invited to be part of the process of identifying areas for improvement and implementing positive action and change in their communities.
Get Involved
All members of our community are welcome to get involved with Planet Youth. Send us a note!
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