Planet Youth in Scotland is a community partnership approach, led by Winning Scotland, that will help us learn more about what is needed to keep our young people safe, healthy and happy.
Planet Youth originated in Iceland in the 1990s, and has since been embraced in 16 countries around the world to improve the lives of young people. We believe that this is an innovative approach that can be implemented in our country within our context, testing and making changes that fit the way we live in Scotland.
In Iceland, Planet Youth instigated a huge drop in teenage drinking and smoking, increased physical activity levels and supported families to spend more time together – leading to young people in Iceland being labelled ‘the cleanest living teens in Europe’.
The approach that Planet Youth takes is led by data collected from anonymous surveys that young people participate in at school. This data is then fed back to local and organised community groups who then create plans of action to create better environments for those young people to grow up in. The survey is fundamental in instigating meaningful discussions and actionable strategies within the local community to improve the lives of the young people, their families, and beyond for the long-haul.
Local groups and services then work together to address the needs and issues raised by the pupils in the surveys.
By listening to local children about how they spend their time, the issues they face and what they are interested in, we believe Planet Youth in Scotland can help us learn how to help all young people in Scotland to become ambitious, versatile and resilient.
