Planet Youth, is an internationally recognized prevention model.
Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) is joining forces with local school boards, elected officials, and community agencies to help prevent youth substance use in Oxford County and Elgin-St. Thomas. Together, they are launching Planet Youth, an internationally recognized prevention model based on the Icelandic Prevention Model.
Developed in the 1990s, the Icelandic model helps communities reduce youth use of alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, and other substances through data-driven, community-based strategies. From November 24 to December 5, Grade 9 and 10 students across the region will be invited to complete a confidential survey. The results will help identify local risk and protective factors linked to family, school, peers, and leisure time.
“We are eager to see an initiative like this in our region,” said Peter Heywood, Director of Healthy Communities at SWPH. “Local health status data is clear: reported use of alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, and other substances among youth is higher here than in Ontario.”
“Quality local data that captures youth voices and experiences is essential for planning impactful initiatives,” added Jessica Austin, Chair of Planet Youth Elgin-St. Thomas. “Planet Youth is not just a program – it’s a movement rooted in hope, possibility, and the belief that small actions taken as a community can lead to lasting change.”
To learn more, visit Planet Youth Oxford and Planet Youth Elgin-St. Thomas.
