The Planet Youth Practice Toolbox:
Media Prevention Campaigns 


Many Planet Youth partners have successfully implemented media prevention campaigns aimed at reducing substance use among young people. Below you can see some examples of these campaigns from different regions. Such initiatives do not always require large budgets, but they do demand commitment, planning, and teamwork. They often involve activating more people to help, overcoming challenges along the way, and maintaining consistent effort over time.

Inspire Parents

A social campaign in Vilnius, Lithuania, was designed to inspire and support parents in guiding their children toward safe, meaningful experiences rather than experimenting with psychoactive substances. Through relatable moments of adolescence, such as playing sports, learning to drive, or developing personal style, it encouraged parents to stay close, speak openly, and create opportunities for positive shared experiences. The campaign was rolled out through local and national media, social platforms, and community channels, with plans for continued visibility and seasonal follow-up activities. This approach shows how prevention messaging can be made relevant and engaging by focusing on everyday life situations that resonate with both parents and young people.
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Promotion of healthy lifestyle

One campaign in Blankenberge, Belgium, featured a series of prevention posters using local youth as positive role models to promote healthier lifestyles. Each poster presented a well-known young person from the community alongside a personal, encouraging message aimed at raising awareness and starting conversations.

The campaign’s messages were developed in consultation with young people, ensuring they were positive, personal, and free from fear-based or judgmental tones. By showcasing real role models who believe in the messages they share, the campaign reflects a social marketing approach that sets positive norms and promotes dialogue around healthier choices.

Using Youth Data in Media Campaigns

Prevention campaigns can be strengthened by incorporating clear, relevant data that speaks directly to the target audience. Many Planet Youth partners use local survey findings to create compelling messages for parents, young people, and community partners. When shared through trusted channels, such as social media, local news, and community events, this data helps explain why prevention efforts are needed and encourages wider engagement. Below are some examples of how Planet Youth partners are displaying survey results to the public, using visually engaging formats and targeted messaging. 
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Planet Youth Western Cape (South Africa)

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Planet Youth Western Cape (South Africa)

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Planet Youth Western Cape (South Africa)

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Planet Youth Western Cape (South Africa)

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Planet Youth Timmins (Canada)

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Planet Youth Western Cape (South Africa)

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Planet Youth Western Cape (South Africa)

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Planet Youth Western Cape (South Africa)

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Planet Youth Western Cape (South Africa)

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Planet Youth Western Cape (South Africa)

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Planet Youth Ireland

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Planet Youth Ireland

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Chewing Tabacco

One impactful campaign in Iceland aimed at reducing chewing tobacco use among athletes, particularly in the sports community. Research revealed that this habit was common among sports participants, leading to a campaign that featured professional football players who do not use chewing tobacco as role models.

This initiative was developed in collaboration with the Directorate of Health, the National Sports Association, the Football Association, the Olympic Association, the National Wine and Liquor Store, and the Icelandic Centre for Social Research and Analysis (ICSRA).

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"The exemplary player Guðjón Pétur Lýðsson does not use chewing tobacco. Play, live, stay Tobacco free!" 

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Nikki Pudason - campaign against the use of nicotine among young people. Supporting material for teenagers and parents. Link to the Icelandic webpage: Otholandi.is



Nicotine pouches are Annoying

This campaign managed by Directorate of Health, aired on social media and Icelandic TV, highlights the addictive nature of nicotine pouches and their impact. The video transcript portrays nicotine pouches as an annoying yet persistent "friend," always present and making moments seemingly better, while reinforcing their addictive hold. The message emphasizes that nicotine pouches are bothersome because they create a difficult-to-break addiction.

The Directorate of Health in Iceland, October 2024.
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"Your responsibility towards your adolescent is 18 years.

You can loosen the leash but do not let it go" (SAMAN, 2024) 

Parent Responsibility

This campaign focused on engaging parents of teenagers entering high school, reminding them that they are responsible for their children until they turn 18. It encourages parents to "loosen the leash" while emphasizing the importance of not letting go entirely, fostering a balance between independence and guidance. By promoting open communication and continued support, the campaign helps parents navigate the challenges of adolescence.

The campaign outlines several key points, such as the necessity of parental supervision, establishing clear boundaries, and fostering open communication about the potential risks associated with newfound independence. It stresses that supportive parenting leads to better outcomes, including lower rates of substance use among adolescents. The initiative provides useful resources, such as school websites and parental councils, encouraging parents to stay informed and engaged in their child's education and social life.
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Outdoor summer festivals

This campaign targeting outdoor festivals in Iceland addresses the critical issue of adolescent substance use during these events. Launched shortly before major festivals, it aims to educate parents about the potential risks associated with large gatherings.

Run by 13 collaborating Icelandic organizations, including public institutions, NGOs, insurance companies, and sports associations, the campaign promotes the message: "Let’s give freedom but show responsibility." By fostering open dialogue between parents and teenagers, it emphasizes the role of responsible parenting in mitigating substance use among young people.

Violence

This campaign targets parents of teenagers, highlighting the alarming presence of violence in social media, where groups of young people engage in and normalize violent behavior through graphic videos. The campaign emphasizes that by watching, sharing, or sending these videos, children contribute to the cycle of violence.

In response to the serious consequences of such behavior, the police urge parents to initiate conversations with their children about violence, encouraging them to report rather than participate. By fostering awareness and open discussions, the campaign aims to protect young people from the harmful effects of violence and prevent the normalization of aggressive behavior in their generation. It features messages from law enforcement and influencers and is distributed across social media to reach children, teenagers, and parents alike.
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"Do you have a child in their teenage years? The growing culture of violence among teenagers is a very serious problem." (Icelandic Police, 2020)

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