What is Icelandic Model Anyways???

Why your support is different: The Icelandic Model

You are supporting a strategy that goes beyond standard prevention. We utilize the principles of the Icelandic Model, which proved that the best way to reduce youth substance use isn't just individual willpower—it's community power. This approach shifts the focus from fixing "at-risk" youth to building a "protective" environment around them. Your gift helps us weave a tighter safety net in Langley by connecting parents, schools, and neighbours. You aren't just funding a program; you are helping us reconstruct the "village" that our youth need to thrive.

The Icelandic Prevention Model (IPM) is a community-based, data-driven approach to reducing youth substance use by strengthening protective factors and addressing risk factors. It involves collaborative efforts from parents, schools, and community organizations to promote healthy environments and activities for young people. The model is built on the idea of changing social environments rather than focusing solely on individual behavior, leading to a reported population-level decline in youth substance use in Iceland. 

Key principles

• Community-driven:

  Brings together researchers, policymakers, health professionals, schools, parents, and community members in collaborative action. 

• Data-informed:

  Uses local data to identify specific risk and protective factors within a community. 

• Strengthens protective factors:

  Encourages parental involvement, increases participation in organized activities, and builds school and community connections. 

• Focuses on environment:

  Aims to change the social environments around youth (home, school, peer, community) to prevent substance use. 

• Promotes well-being:

  By providing positive, constructive ways for youth to spend their time, it helps to delay the onset of substance use and promotes overall well-being. 

How it works

1. Data collection:

   Researchers gather data on youth behaviors, social environments, and risk/protective factors. 

2. Community coalition:

   A community coalition is formed to review the data and create a tailored prevention plan. 

3. Tailored interventions:

   Based on the data, specific strategies are developed to address the unique needs of the community, such as increasing after-school programs or improving parent-child communication. 

4. Collaboration:

   Throughout the process, there is a sustained, long-term commitment from various community sectors. 

Outcomes

• Population-level impact:

  Iceland has seen a significant reduction in youth substance use, including alcohol and tobacco. 

• Reduced harms:

  The model is designed to reduce not only substance use but also other negative social outcomes among young people. 

• Global adoption:

  The model has been adopted in over 16 countries through organizations like Planet Youth, though implementation can vary depending on local context.