The Planet Youth Practice Toolbox:
The Family Domain

Family involvement plays a crucial role in a young person's development and helps reduce the risk of substance use. Spending quality time together—whether through shared meals, casual conversations, or activities like watching movies or playing games—strengthens family bonds and provides essential support. Parental monitoring and guidance are key, as knowing where children are, setting clear boundaries, and expressing disapproval of alcohol and drug use can significantly lower the risk of risky behavior. 

The Role of Parents/Caregivers

Here are the key roles of parents and caregivers in the Icelandic Prevention Model that
significantly influence children's choices and promote a healthier, substance-free lifestyle:

Support
Build a trusting relationship with the children. Foster a close and supportive bond that encourages open communication
Monitoring
Stay informed about children's activities and whereabouts. Keep an eye on their social circles to ensure they are in safe environments
Control
Set and enforce clear boundaries regarding substance use. Avoid purchasing alcohol or tobacco for minors and prohibit unsupervised parties

 It is important to discuss the risks of substance use openly and honestly. Encourage candid conversations about the dangers associated with alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.


Here are some ideas from 14-year-old Icelandic children who participated in the Icelandic Prevention Day about activities parent/caregivers can do with their children:

Go Traveling

Children enjoy traveling with their parents or caregivers—even simple car rides can make for enjoyable, shared moments together.
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Cook or Bake

Children expressed a desire to cook or bake with their parents or caregivers, seeing it as a fun way to spend time together and learn new skills.
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Hike

Children expressed a desire to go on hikes with their parents or caregivers, enjoying the time together in nature.
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Go Biking

Children want to go biking with their parents or caregivers, enjoying the outdoors and shared activity.
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Play Cards

Children enjoy playing cards with their parents or caregivers, seeing it as a fun way to connect and unwind together.
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Watch a Movie

Children expressed a desire to watch movies with their parents or caregivers, appreciating the chance to relax and enjoy stories together.
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Just Chat

Children want to sit down and connect with their parents or caregivers without devices, appreciating the opportunity for meaningful conversations.
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Actions- what can be done?

Example of Community-Developed Strategies to Reduce the Risk of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug (ATOD) Use Among Youth. More actions can be found in the Kristjansson, A. et al. (2020) paper. 

Strengthen Parental Engagement

Encourage parents to know their children’s friends and stay informed about their activities.

Educate on Substance Risks

Provide resources for parents on substance use risks to reinforce healthy norms at home.

Parents Meetings

Leverage the Planet Youth local survey to demonstrate the preventive impact of family factors on ATOD use.

Promote Family Quality Time

Encourage families to spend regular, meaningful time together to build trust and communication.

Partner Examples in the Family Domain

Parent Café Training in Timiskaming (Canada):

Planet Youth partners in Timiskaming are strengthening the family domain through a two-day Parent Café training. This free, hands-on program prepares parents, caregivers, and professionals to lead welcoming, judgment-free spaces where families can share experiences and support one another. Open to anyone raising or supporting children, the training builds skills, fosters community connection, and empowers families with practical tools and a sense of belonging. Participants receive compensation for their involvement.
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Stay & Play in Seward (Alaska, US):

Planet Youth partners in Seward support the leisure domain through the Stay & Play events, which take place each spring. These events encourage parents and caregivers to join their children on the playground after school on sunny afternoons. With free snacks provided, the gatherings offer a relaxed environment for parents to meet and connect. During these sessions, brief discussions on primary prevention are held while the children enjoy outdoor play. This initiative fosters community building, strengthens family engagement, and promotes important conversations around prevention in a fun and informal setting.
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Online Parent Hack Messages in Western Cape (South Africa):

Planet Youth partners in the Western Cape are supporting the family domain through practical online parent hack messages. The first in a series of four focuses on key issues raised by parents. This message offers guidance on setting boundaries for phone usage, including agreeing on specific times for phone downtime (e.g., during sleep or family activities). It also emphasizes the importance of installing protective apps, enabling parents to monitor their child’s WhatsApp status and posts, and helping guide them on appropriate online behavior. These tips aim to empower parents to protect their children while fostering positive digital habits.
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Online Parent Hack Messages in Western Cape (South Africa):

Planet Youth partners in the Western Cape continue to support the family domain through practical online parent hack messages. The second in the series focuses on managing teen dating. It encourages parents to set rules on privacy, curfews, and acceptable behaviors. It also emphasizes discussions around respect, consent, and recognizing red flags in relationships, helping parents guide their teens through healthy relationship choices.
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Online Parent Hack Messages in Western Cape (South Africa):

Planet Youth partners in the Western Cape continue to support the family domain through practical online parent hack messages. The third hack focuses on promoting healthy activities that boost positive emotions and prevent risk-taking behavior. Activities that trigger dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins—like good food, sleep, time with friends, and exercise—help improve mood, encourage self-care, and promote positive mental health. Encouraging these activities can support your teen’s well-being and reduce the risk of unhealthy coping mechanisms.
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Online Parent Hack Messages in Western Cape (South Africa):

Planet Youth partners in the Western Cape continue to support the family domain through online parent hack messages. The fourth hack focuses on parent habits that reduce teen risk-taking behavior. It highlights the importance of knowing your teen’s friends and their parents, spending quality time together, and being clear about your values, such as opposing risky behaviors like underage drinking or unprotected sex. It also encourages ensuring your teen gets enough sleep and proper nutrition to support their mental health. Fostering a sense of belonging and connection with your teen is key to preventing harmful behavior.
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