Frequently Asked Questions
Questions people ask here and in other communities where the Planet Youth model has been introduced.
WHY ARE you TAKING THIS APPROACH?
How is it different from other approaches?
Substance use is a complex issue, requiring a complex solution. Short-term or one-time youth substance use prevention campaigns, programs or events, while well-intentioned, do not often lead to lasting, measurable changes. Research has consistently shown that strengthening protective factors and reducing risk factors in a young person’s life has a greater impact on their substance use behaviour, along with influencing their overall mental, social and physical well-being.
The Planet Youth approach focuses on the root causes of substance misuse. It is a holistic approach, focusing on the community as a whole to build support networks that foster youth resilience, mental health, and well-being.
We believe that by building a positive and supportive community environment, we can improve youth mental health and greatly diminish the use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs, reducing the long-term health consequences of substance use among youth.
What is the scientific basis for it?
Since 1990, data and research have been compiled by social scientists at the Icelandic Center for Social Research and Analysis. The research confirms positive community responses to lowering risk factors and strengthening protective factors. An extensive library of papers published in peer-reviewed journals is available at https://planetyouth.org/the-method/publications/.
HOW DOES THE PLANET YOUTH APPROACH WORK?
What is the high-level process?
The model uses a collaborative approach to listen to youth voices and shares this information with parents, caregivers and local youth-focused organizations, empowering communities to create healthier environments for youth—focussing on their family, school, peer, and recreation activities.
What kinds of changes will Planet Youth lead to?
Every community has different needs, and Planet Youth does not offer a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, each community listens to their young people to determine what kind of supports or opportunities they would like to see in their community, then works with partner organizations to implement solutions that meet their needs.
This might entail more opportunities for social engagement, sports and quality time with family, or something else entirely. It is up to each community to determine what makes the most sense for them based on the data and local context.
How does the whole community benefit?
Our community becomes stronger, healthier and more supportive by working together. Using an evidence-based approach to pinpoint what physical and social environments our community needs to strengthen will save time and money. Prevention methods are really about creating an environment where everyone feels safe, cared for and valued. That is a healthy community. People who grow up in a healthy community are more likely to become healthy and contributing adults.
How can I get involved?
- If you’d like to have a voice in decision making and the implementation of initiatives, we welcome youth, parents, caregivers, community organization or agency members, or interested members of the community to join the Elgin-St. Thomas Planet Youth Coordinating Coalition, or a local Planet Youth Action Team.
- We always welcome young people, families, caregivers and other community members to volunteer for any future events and activities.
- If you’re interested in learning more about getting involved, contact us at info@
planetyouthest.ca
WHO IS INVOLVED IN THIS WORK?
Who in our community takes part?
Partners from sectors including health, education, recreation, the faith community, law enforcement, youth-serving agencies, service clubs and many others all contribute to the Planet Youth approach and a shared common goal.
Playing an equally vital role in supporting the approach are parents, caregivers and the youth in our community. Their voices, experiences and contributions are critical to successfully making changes using the model.
What is Iceland's role?
Experts on the prevention model from Planet Youth in Iceland will provide us with guidance and consultation during the first five years of the project.
THE SURVEYS
Why do we need another survey? Isn’t there enough evidence and research done already?
Most youth studies are conducted provincially or nationally, but we need to learn from our youth on a local and community level. A core component of the Planet Youth model is listening to youth voices, helping them feel valued, heard, and respected as members of their community.
The Planet Youth survey is an important first step in hearing from youth and in using what we learn to guide our work in improving the social and physical environments our youth are growing up in.
Why are we surveying grade 9/10 students?
We require a benchmark of where things are in terms of risk and protective factors and evidence has shown this is the age group that works the best. Once you know where the risk factors are in your community you can take steps to improve outcomes for children that are currently in lower grades. In five years, the grade 9/10 students we survey will have been in grade 4/5 when the first survey was performed. We will be able to quantitatively measure how much our communities have improved over the five years.
Grade 9 & 10 are also pivotal transition years, as students begin moving from childhood to adulthood, making their input especially useful. Their perspectives at this age help us understand why young people disengage from community activities, guiding us on where to allocate resources.
What kind of questions are in the survey?
The survey addresses risk and protective factors that are key to four areas of youth influence – Family, Peers, School and Leisure Time.
What role do the schools have in regard to the surveys?
The schools are where the surveys will be done – in grade 10 classes. Once Planet Youth analyzes the data, schools will receive school-level reports for their internal planning and programming uses, and community-level results will be shared with community partners to allow for action plans to be created.
What role does the community have?
What role do parents have?
Parents always have been, and always will be the most important influence in a child’s life.
Parents are encouraged to support the surveys by granting permission for their child to participate. The surveys are anonymous.
Parents also have a huge role in raising protective factors as 25% of a youth’s sphere of influence is their family. Interestingly Planet Youth research has shown it is not just about quality time you spend with your kids; it IS about quantity of time.
What role do youth/students have?
The anonymous surveys are an opportunity for youth to have their voice heard. They need to be open and receptive to the process and answer the questions as honestly as possible. Once the survey results are received, youth will be part of the process to implement positive action in their community.
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All members of our community are welcome to get involved with Planet Youth. Send us a note!