Engage young people for effective drug prevention
It is important that young people are involved in developing effective drug prevention programs that connect with their lives. This is evident from “Niet zonder ons?!,” a new report by YoungXperts, Healthy Start, and the Trimbos Institute. The study shows that youth participation offers many opportunities, provided it is well-organized. The report also outlines the opportunities and bottlenecks when a project or research project focuses on drug prevention.
The “Niet zonder ons?!” report offers a practical basis for municipalities, addiction treatment institutions, and educational institutions, among others, that want to actively, carefully, and sustainably involve young people in drug prevention. In addition to the research report, a visual representation has been developed to support professionals in applying these preconditions.
Young People as Co-Developers
Young adults (ages 16–25) possess valuable knowledge about environments where substance use often arises, such as nightlife, student associations, or encountering drug use through social media. By involving young people as co-developers rather than just as a target group, prevention activities are better aligned with trends, behavioral norms, and language used within this group. This increases the likelihood of effective and sustainable drug prevention.
Furthermore, youth participation demonstrably contributes to the development of important skills for the young people involved, such as critical thinking, leadership, and social skills. As a result, participation not only strengthens the interventions but also the development and social engagement of young people themselves.
Give young people real influence, but maintain scientific evidence-based support
The report shows that youth participation only works when young people have real influence. Symbolic participation, where young people are invited but have little say, is still common and can undermine young people’s trust. In the context of drug prevention, it is especially important to ensure that young people’s input aligns with scientifically sound principles to prevent risks such as normalization or curiosity about drugs. Clear frameworks, transparency, and guidance before, during, and after the project are therefore essential.
Prerequisites for Meaningful Youth Participation
The report identifies preconditions that help professionals effectively involve young people in drug prevention, including:
- Clear goals and frameworks;
- Appropriate target group selection;
- Shared, accessible language;
- Sufficient time, budget, and guidance;
- Structural embedding in policy and organizations;
- Feedback to young people;
- Effective prevention principles as a foundation.
About the research
The research “Not Without Us?!” was conducted in collaboration with YoungXperts and Healthy Start. The insights in this report are based on a literature review, interviews with young people in a youth panel, and an expert meeting with professionals and youth initiatives. The results have been compiled into preconditions for effective youth participation in drug prevention.
Read the full report here: https://www.trimbos.nl/kennisbank/tri-65-078-niet-zonder-ons/
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