Planet Youth is a global initiative supporting communities to create healthier environments for young people. We offer a structured, data-driven approach rooted in the experience of Iceland, where youth substance use rates were once among the highest in Europe—and are now among the lowest. What began as a local crisis response is now a global model, adapted worldwide on five continents.
We don’t offer a one-size-fits-all solution. We offer a process—and support the people who lead it. The Guidance Program is based on the Icelandic Prevention Model. It uses local data to guide long-term, community-led efforts. We focus on strengthening protective factors and reducing risks across the places that matter most in a young person’s life: family, school, peer group, and leisure time
We help local teams build coalitions, gather youth survey data, and use that information to plan meaningful change. Through training, ongoing guidance, and access to proven tools, we work with communities to implement a 10-step cycle of prevention. This includes survey design, dissemination of results, community engagement, action planning, and evaluation
Because it’s built on local leadership, real-time data, and collaboration across sectors. We’ve seen the results in Iceland and beyond: lower rates of youth drinking, smoking, and drug use; stronger family relationships; and more participation in organized activities. But perhaps most importantly, we’ve seen communities come together with a shared purpose—and stay the course
We provide structure and support—so communities can take the lead. From the Planet Youth Academy to tailored guidance and data analysis, our team works alongside partners every step of the way. Our goal is not to change communities, but to equip them with the tools to sustain change on their own terms
Planet Youth is based in Reykjavík, Iceland—where the prevention model we share with the world first took root. From our headquarters, we support partners across five continents, helping communities adapt the Icelandic Prevention Model to their own local needs. Our global reach is grounded in local collaboration. Whether we’re meeting in person or online, our team remains closely connected with communities, coalitions, and coordinators everywhere we work. If you’re in the area, we welcome visitors to our offices on the third floor at Lágmúli 6. Guests are always welcome during office hours—just stop by or reach out in advance.
The Planet Youth prevention model is aimed at improving the lives of young people. The model has proven
easily transferable and can be applied in any community. We offer three ways to deliver this model to you.
