Family time, substance-free living and organized activities highlighted on Prevention Day

First held in 2006, Prevention Day targets 9th graders and first-year secondary school students. It involves group work in schools on three aspects: family time, participation in sports and leisure activities, and allowing the brain to develop without intoxicants. Research shows these factors protect against risky behavior. Students discuss the material in groups, noting ideas about what gives them well-being and influences good health behaviors, communication and time with parents and family, peer pressure effects, and more. Upper-secondary school students also discuss the decision not to drink or delay starting to drink alcohol and what factors influence that decision.

Prevention Day is a collaboration between the Office of the President of Iceland, the Director of Health, City of Reykjavík, Association of Icelandic Municipalities, National Olympic and Sports Association of Iceland, Scouts, youth associations of Iceland, Research and Analysis, Planet Youth, Samfés and Home and School, along with prevention-focused organizations. Participants can enter a contest that varies yearly, with winners invited to Bessastaðir to receive recognition. Municipalities are encouraged to put prevention on the agenda in October. Many have organized prevention programs in recent years, collaborating with various groups, associations and institutions. Parents are also strongly encouraged to participate and revive good parent cooperation, with schools, youth centers and municipalities providing support.

Prevention Day partners and young people from Ingunnarskóli.

Social media is today's tobacco

At the morning symposium in Ingunnarskóli, moderator Dóra Guðrún Guðmundsdóttir, Director of Public Health at the Directorate of Health, said Prevention Day emphasizes the positive rather than the negative. President of Iceland Halla Tómasdóttir spoke first. She emphasized the dangers of excessive modern phone use and praised Ingunnarskóli for being phone-free. "Social media is today's tobacco," she said, discussing its negative effects on young people's and general well-being. She urged young people to put down their phones, create space for themselves and participate in organized sports and leisure activities. She also stressed the importance of no one being left out and that we could all be "knights of love" by inviting others to join in. Behavior is contagious, she noted, and our conduct always has an impact.

"Social media is today's tobacco"

Director of Health Alma D. Möller discussed the aforementioned protective factors but also reminded that being good to others, doing good deeds and helping those less fortunate is good for health. We need to look inward, care for ourselves and nurture body and soul, she said. She discussed the importance of social connections, sleep, exercise and healthy food. She also warned young people about energy drinks, which negatively affect sleep, among other things. She said society's pace is too fast and urged parents and guardians to slow down, focus on protective factors and consider, without phones, what truly brings happiness and well-being.

3rd graders from Ingunnarskóli presented President Halla Tómasdóttir with artwork they created.

Family time and organized activities are the best prevention

City Executive Council Chair Dagur B. Eggertsson called the growing generation very promising, as seen in prevention statistics. Figures showing decreased substance use among Icelandic youth have gained global attention, he said. The day is about celebrating successes while addressing current challenges. He welcomed many City schools' decision, after democratic discussion, to go phone-free. He stressed the importance of families spending as much time together as possible. "Hanging out together and building trust," he said. "This matters."

Margrét Lilja Guðmundsdóttir, knowledge manager at Planet Youth, analyzed data and highlighted the importance of parents setting rules for children and young people. She reminded young people to show each other care and warmth. Like Dagur, she emphasized that family time need not be complicated.

Finally, two Youth Council representatives from UMFÍ, Ernir Daði Arnbergz Sigurðsson and Karen Hulda Finnsdóttir, spoke for young people. Like other speakers, they emphasized the importance of participating in sports and other organized activities, saying this is the best prevention. They strongly encouraged young people to actively participate in society and make their voices heard.

Learn more about the project and access a recording of the symposium on the Prevention Day website.

City Executive Council Chair Dagur B. Eggertsson visited Háteigsskóli and met 9th graders working on Prevention Day projects.