The Planet Youth Practice Toolbox:
The Peer Group Domain

The peer group domain highlights the influence that friends and social networks have on young people's choices and behaviors. Although Planet Youth primarily addresses other domains—that is leisure time, school, and family —we recognize the important role of peer influence. By strengthening structured, positive activities within these other domains, we indirectly support healthier peer interactions. Through supervised, constructive settings, we aim to foster friendships that encourage positive behaviors, helping to reduce the risk of substance use among youth.

Connecting Families

Knowing your children’s friends—and their friends’ parents—is crucial for fostering a supportive and safe social network. By building connections with other parents, you can better understand your child’s social circle, ensure they’re spending time in positive environments, and coordinate efforts to keep everyone safe. This collaboration is especially helpful in maintaining agreed-upon outside-hours and avoiding unsupervised late-night outings. When parents know their children’s friends and their whereabouts, it becomes easier to support healthy routines, reduce risky behaviors, and build a strong community around shared values and mutual trust.

Nothing About us - Without Us

Understanding Social Norms

Social norms play a significant role in shaping the behaviors and attitudes of young people within their peer groups. These unwritten rules define what is considered acceptable or desirable within a social circle and can greatly influence individual choices.

Positive Social Connections
Encouragement and Support:
Good friends provide emotional support and encouragement during challenges, helping each other navigate social situations.

Sense of Belonging:
Positive friendships create a supportive environment where young people feel valued and understood, contributing to their emotional health.
Spending Time Together Positively
Engagement in School Activities: Participating in clubs, sports, and other school-related events allows youth to bond over shared interests and experiences.

Extracurricular Involvement: Encouraging involvement in community programs or after-school activities fosters teamwork and friendships outside the classroom.
Positive Peer Culture
Promote Healthy Interactions: Encourage youth to engage in activities that build trust, respect, and fun among friends.


Create Opportunities for Connection: Organize events or gatherings where young people can meet and make new friends in a safe, supportive environment.

While positive friendships are vital, it’s essential to recognize the potential for engagement in risky behaviors, such as substance use, bullying, and exclusion. By fostering a positive peer culture, we can help young people avoid these influences.

In Iceland, youth councils and youth clubs play significant roles in promoting engagement and well-being among young people. Here’s an overview of their importance, structure, and roles:
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See more information from the city of Reykjavik here.


Youth Councils

Purpose: Youth Councils offer a platform for adolescents under 18 to represent their peers, express opinions, and influence local decision-making. They engage in democratic practices and choose issues important to them.

Structure: Councils can be closed (with a fixed number of members) or open (allowing unlimited participation) and may work independently or within public organizations. Each council appoints representatives to the Council for Youth (CoR), consisting of 16 members aged 13-18.

Impact: Youth Councils enhance civic engagement, ensuring young people's voices are heard in community planning. Their efforts promote diversity and a sense of belonging among youth, fostering positive community improvements.

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Youth Clubs

Purpose: Youth clubs offer a safe and supportive environment for young people to engage in various activities, socialize, and develop skills. They focus on fostering positive relationships and providing opportunities for personal growth.

Activities: Clubs may offer sports, arts, music, educational programs, and social events, promoting teamwork and community spirit among participants.

Benefits: Participation in youth clubs can enhance social skills, build confidence, and reduce the likelihood of engagement in risky behaviors by providing structured and supervised environments.

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Samfés

Overview: Samfés (formerly known as Samfélagið) is an important organization in Iceland that supports the development and operation of youth councils and clubs. It works to promote the well-being of children and youth by providing resources, training, and guidance to local youth organizations.

Goals: Samfés aims to strengthen youth participation in decision-making processes and enhance the quality of youth services across the country. The organization emphasizes collaboration between youth councils, clubs, and local authorities to create cohesive support systems for young people.

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. 

Organize Peer Workshops

Host workshops to educate youth on peer influence, decision-making, and social responsibility.

Increase Adult Supervision

Ensure supervised spaces for youth gatherings to reduce opportunities for risky behaviors.

Create Safe Online Spaces

Encourage digital safety and respect within online peer interactions.

Encourage Inclusive Social Norms

Advocate for a culture of respect and inclusion within peer groups.