The 'Planet Youth' Academy in Vilnius is embarking on an expansion to include an additional 18 schools, aimed at not only collecting data on the use of psychoactive substances among students but also implementing preventive activities to foster community resilience. This initiative places a strong emphasis on the involvement of parents and educators in creating a safe and supportive environment for youth welfare.

Mayor Valdas Benkunskas highlighted that the establishment of the academy last year was a proactive step to create a responsible network among schools for the prevention of substance use. Rather than ignoring or fearing the problem of substance use, the program is designed to follow a longer, more complex yet effective path, utilizing data and successful, evidence-based practices from other countries. This strategy helps in laying a solid foundation for long-term changes that benefit youth in a healthier environment.

The commitment of Vilnius's municipal government to this initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of addressing substance use through informed and community-driven approaches. By joining the academy, schools are not only working towards better data collection but are also collectively striving for effective substance use prevention, ultimately impacting the well-being of future generations in the capital city.