During the International Co-Responsibility and Participation Forum experts in addictions and violence proposed lines of action so that the communities can positively transform the environments of adolescence, within the framework of the implementation of the Icelandic Prevention Model, Planet Youth which has been promoted by the mayor Angélica Moya Marín since a year ago.
At the Center for Exhibitions, Fairs and Events (CEFE) of Naucalli Park, this forum was held where the results of the Youth Census were analyzed, applied in the second semester of 2023 to 9,336 students from 107 public and private secondary schools with ages between 13 and 14 years old who expressed their feelings in relation to the environment of their family, school and community environments.
In this regard, Mayor Angélica Moya Marín pointed out that “I have always believed that when a child grows up surrounded by support, protection and opportunities, the path is opened for a full and balanced life. Without a doubt that is the path that we seek today for our children and adolescents in Naucalpan, one that we have already begun to trace, the change is happening collectively.”
As a result of said census, it was identified that 82% of adolescents feel safe at home with their parents, 70% feel safe and consider having clear rules, 50% feel confident talking to someone when they have a problem and 30% think that their opinion is taken into account.
It was also detected that 22% of students must take care of themselves while adults go out to work, 15% stated that their parents do not know where and who they are with when they go out at night, 75% consider that making an effort at school helps them have a better future and have friends who care about them.
Half of those surveyed feel that there is not good treatment among colleagues and 13% feel excluded. Likewise, 37% feel safe in their community, while 43% know their friends’ parents and only 40% say that if they are on the street or missing school, the community would be interested or intervene. while 70% think that adults would be indifferent to theft of a car or house.
The head of the DIF Naucalpan, Cynthia Elizondo Basurto, indicated that after knowing these results, community coalitions were formed made up of parents, school authorities, formal and informal leadership, who from their school, block, neighborhood or subdivision, committed to implement practical actions in favor of the adolescent population and were trained and sensitized to build closer and deeper relationships.
Jon Sigfusson, president of the Board of Directors of Planet Youth, recognized the work and dedication of Mayor Angélica Moya to create safer environments that keep children and adolescents away from drugs, while asking for the collaboration of all those involved to May this project continue to yield positive results “and let us be aware that change takes time, nothing happens overnight.”
Pall Rikhardsson, CEO of Planet Youth, highlighted that the vision of this model is that of a world in which children grow to their full potential and its mission is to empower communities to create healthy environments that allow them to develop away from substances and harmful environments that prevent them from achieving their life goals.
Also participating in the forum were Raúl Martín del Campo, former member of the UN International Narcotics Control Board; Jovany Avilés Villa, specialist in intervention with young people at risk of social violence; Christian Amaury Ascencio, author of ’Bullying and school violence: differences, similarities, actors, consequences and origin’; José Manuel Castrejón, specialist in comprehensive drug consumption care; Angélica Garnica Sosa, author of ‘Diagnosis of violence in basic level school communities’.
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Interview Between Time.news Editor and Addictions Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Dr. Maria Salazar. It’s great to have you with us today. I want to dive right into the recent International Co-Responsibility and Participation Forum that explored how communities can better support adolescents. What were some of the key insights shared about the Icelandic Prevention Model and its application in Naucalpan?
Dr. Maria Salazar (DMS): Thank you for having me. The Icelandic Prevention Model, especially through the Planet Youth initiative, emphasizes the importance of creating supportive community environments for adolescents. At the forum, we discussed various strategies for reducing substance abuse and violence among youth, focusing on parental involvement, school engagement, and community participation. The outcomes from the Youth Census provided valuable data to guide our efforts.
TNE: That’s fascinating. The census indicated high safety and supportive environments at home, with 82% of adolescents feeling safe with their parents. What do you think contributes to this positive perception, and how can communities build on it?
DMS: It’s a strong foundation. The perception of safety at home is crucial as it fosters open communication. Communities can build on this by promoting parenting programs that encourage dialogue and understanding between parents and children. Events like the forum play a vital role in raising awareness and providing platforms for sharing experiences and best practices.
TNE: Some concerning statistics emerged, such as 15% of students mentioning their parents don’t know where they are at night. How can communities address this disconnect?
DMS: This points to a communication gap that many families face. Community coalitions, as suggested by the head of DIF Naucalpan, are essential here. By forming groups involving parents, school staff, and local leaders, we can create a network that fosters communication and accountability. Informal support groups can also help parents stay connected and informed about their children’s activities.
TNE: Additionally, the census revealed that 30% of adolescents feel their opinions are not valued, which could lead to exclusion. What steps can leaders take to empower these young voices?
DMS: Empowering youth is critical. Leaders can introduce initiatives that actively involve young people in decision-making processes within schools and communities. Creative forums, workshops, or youth councils can provide platforms for expressing their opinions and addressing their concerns. When adolescents feel heard, they are more likely to engage positively with their environments.
TNE: Interestingly, 70% of responders believed that adults would be indifferent to community issues like theft. How can we change this perception and encourage adult responsibility?
DMS: Changing this narrative requires community engagement and education. Adults need to understand their influential role in shaping the environment for adolescents. Programs that promote community watch initiatives or neighborhood gatherings can enhance relationships among residents. These connections can cultivate a sense of ownership and responsibility towards community safety.
TNE: with 50% of adolescents feeling confident talking about their problems, what can be done to increase this percentage and ensure youth have the necessary support?
DMS: Schools can establish counseling programs that integrate mental health support into the curriculum. By training teachers to recognize signs of distress and promoting the importance of talking about issues, we can create safe spaces for adolescents. Awareness campaigns can also help normalize seeking help, emphasizing that it’s a strength, not a weakness.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Salazar. It’s clear that creating supportive environments for our youth is not only possible but requires a collective effort. Your insights help clarify how communities can take actionable steps to improve the lives of adolescents.
DMS: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these critical issues. Together, we can foster a healthier, more supportive environment for our future generations.