Planet Youth is an international evidence-based primary prevention model, developed in Iceland, that has been used to reduce substance use rates amongst adolescents. The model’s whole population approach offers an opportunity to improve health outcomes for young people in many areas of their lives. It works by directly targeting the risk and protective factors in young people’s lives that determine their substance use behaviours and enhancing the social environment they are growing up in. By developing targeted interventions that seek to reduce the identified risk factors and strengthen the identified protective factors, the problems associated with adolescent substance use can be reduced or prevented before they arise.

The evaluation included online feedback surveys with schools, parents and members of County and Regional Committees. One to one interviews were undertaken with Regional and County Committee Chairs, WRDATF staff and project advisors. In addition, results from the Planet Youth Surveys undertaken and resources developed during the life of the project were also examined by the evaluation team.