Youth Substance Use Prevention

What is Planet Youth?

Planet Youth is based on the Icelandic Prevention Model, a world-renowned approach to reduce alcohol and drug use among young people and improve their wellbeing. 

Planet Youth empowers communities to work together to address the root causes of early substance use.

The approach aims to create healthy communities for children and youth, with a focus on strengthening protective factors such as positive relationships with family and friends, involvement in extracurricular activities, and school engagement.  

Southwestern Public Health and Planet Youth

Southwestern Public Health, along with partners within the community, brought Planet Youth to Oxford County, Elgin County, and the City of St. Thomas in 2025.

Using the Planet Youth approach, communities in the Southwestern Public Health region will gain valuable insights into the health and wellbeing of young people, implement effective solutions, and track changes over time.

Learn more about Planet Youth locally:

·         Planet Youth Oxford

·         Planet Youth Elgin St. Thomas