International Implementation of the Icelandic Prevention Model for Substance Use Prevention in Youth

Research Summary

The Icelandic Prevention Model (IPM) is a community-based approach that aims to reduce youth substance use by strengthening parental involvement, increasing participation in organized activities, building school and community connections, implementing data-driven policymaking, and fostering long-term multi-sectoral collaboration. Originally developed in Iceland in the 1990s, the IPM has since been implemented in communities worldwide through the Planet Youth organization.

This scoping review examined literature on the IPM’s implementation and effectiveness across diverse global contexts, with the goal of informing its potential adaptation and scaling in Canada. A total of 24 studies from Iceland, Canada, the United States, Chile, Spain, Lithuania, the UK, the Netherlands, and Australia were included. Findings suggest strong and sustained reductions in youth substance use in Iceland, but mixed results internationally due to sociocultural misalignment, limited resources, and varying levels of community engagement. The review identifies key facilitators (e.g., parental monitoring, community cohesion) and barriers (e.g., funding gaps, unstructured time, transportation challenges) to implementation.

Impact & Outputs

• Coming soon.

Research Team

Project Details

• Funding: n/a (conducted as part of academic research and training)
• Partners include:
  • n/a
• Duration of research: 2024-2025