The Planet Youth Guidance Program is based on the Icelandic Prevention Model (IPM), an evidence-based approach that focuses on preventing substance use and promoting the well-being of local youth. The IPM is an upstream approach that addresses root causes rather than symptoms. The model is based on the idea that prevention efforts should be focused on building strong and healthy communities, rather than targeting individual behaviour. It emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and nurturing environment for young people, where they feel valued and connected to their community.

The IPM’s whole population approach offers an opportunity to improve outcomes for young people in many areas of their lives. With goals to enhance the well-being and resilience of local youth, the community can address challenges facing youth by using a holistic approach to well-being. This will include building protective factors and reducing risk factors in the environments in which youth live and grow up. By developing tailored interventions that 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 Planet Youth approach requires teamwork, long-term vision, and long-term commitment. Planet Youth requires a shift in thinking, from an individual perspective to a community perspective, and from short-term goal setting to long-term goal setting. Substance use prevention is a long-term investment. Although some prevention efforts can have positive effects in the short-term, the most impactful results will occur over time, making progress toward the goal of a healthier future for our young people and society in the long-term.