The FDFE Representative attended in Reykjavik (Iceland) from 30th May to 1st June 2018 the Planet Youth Workshop based on the Icelandic Primary Prevention Model developed in 1998.
The Agenda organized by the Icelandic Centre of Social research and Analysis (ISCRA) was divided in 3 parts: Setting the Scene, Core factors and Resources.
There were about 70 participants coming from around the world (Canada, Russia, USA, and Europe), interested by the success obtain by Iceland in getting the youth drinking dropping from 42% to 5%.
Based on research there were 4 key points to consider: Family Factors, Peer Group, Unstructured Activities and Organized Youth Work.
With the help and participation of the NGOs, schools, Municipality, politicians and the government, the founders developed a sustainable Model where the parents are more involved in caring of their children. In addition, they created a Leisure Card for all the 6 to 18 y.o. so they can have extracurricular activities acting as prevention, protecting them from alcohol and drug reaching. This keeps the youth active, healthy and even developing more skills. This is the way the Model has gradually changed the behavior of the people and youth by developing a good self-image and more self-respect and an environment with less violence and respect of others, thus creating a safe and sane society.
