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For Parents & Carers
Parents and carers play one of the most important roles in the success of Planet Youth. We work with you to encourage your young people to be inspired by positive behaviours that will benefit them in the long-term, making them happier and healthier!
Planet Youth originated in Iceland, and over the course of twenty years and beyond has seen significant changes to the attitudes and activities of teenagers in the country.
Watch a video about the difference Planet Youth has made in Iceland here
Evidence shows that if we want to make a real difference to young people’s health and wellbeing, we need to start by thinking about what we as adults can do to support them to make better choices earlier.
You matter more than you think.
As parents, guardians and carers, we help shape the environments our teenagers grow up in. The choices they make aren’t made in isolation - they’re influenced by friends, schools, communities, and most of all, home.
Planet Youth starts by listening.
We ask young people, anonymously and privately, about their lives, challenges and behaviours, through a school-based survey.
Their answers are analysed and shared with a local Planet Youth leadership group, including parent reps. This group uses the insights to develop real actions that support young people — based on what they said matters.
It's about prevention, not reaction.
Let’s say the data shows that teens who drink heavily started at age 13. That insight might help you decide what’s right for your child, before that age comes around.
You might also learn that your child is influenced just as much by what their friends' parents allow. When parents work together, they can set clear, consistent expectations — and prevent problems before they start.
We listen to young people - then empower the adults around them.
Together, we can help keep them healthy, happy, and safe.
You can learn more about how Planet Youth in Scotland will work here
What's next?
If your child is about to take part in the Planet Youth survey, you may have received a letter explaining how the survey works and what it means for them.
The wellbeing and safety of young people is our top priority.
Teaching staff supporting the survey have been trained and are on hand to answer any questions and support pupils during the process.
If you have any concerns, please speak to your local Planet Youth team or contact the team at Winning Scotland.
Local areas may also follow up with parents and carers about upcoming Planet Youth events in your community.
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Why is Planet Youth in Scotland important to me?We (and that includes your family, school teachers, and wider community) want to improve your quality of life, and we can only do that if we are listening to your thoughts and making plans to help make a change. It doesn’t happen overnight, but with your valuable input we can start having meaningful conversations about the changes that will make a difference to your life.
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How will I involved in Planet Youth in Scotland?If you are in a school participating in Planet Youth then you’ll be invited to take part in a detailed survey during school-time (usually a double-period lesson), along with everyone else in your year group who is willing to participate (it’s voluntary and you can opt out if you wish). You’ll complete the survey on your own, with privacy and time to think about your answers. Afterwards, listen out for opportunities, at your school or perhaps with other groups in your community, to follow up on what the survey means in terms of improvements for young people.
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What kind of questions are you asking me in the survey?We are looking to get a snapshot into your life, so we will be asking questions about how you spend your free time, relationships, substance use, and your family life. Don't forget that the answers you provide are completely anonymous, so no one will know that they are from you. We encourage you to be as honest and open as possible. The responses we get will really help to improve life for young people and the community.
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Is anyone going to know that the survey answers are from me?No one will know that the survey answers have come from you.
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Do I have to take part in the survey?We encourage everyone to take part in the survey because it is your feedback that is going to help Planet Youth in Scotland, and your local make improvements in your local area. The time and effort you put into completing the survey is really appreciated. However, it is voluntary, and if you are unsure or unhappy about taking part, you can opt out. Just speak to your teacher and they will make arrangements for you.
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If I don’t feel comfortable before, during or after the survey what do I do?Don't hesitate to reach out to your teachers! They will be fully supportive and be able to advise you. We also have some helpful websites and phone numbers below that you can use in complete confidentiality.
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What's happening about the great work already underway and the existing survey results?The approach of Planet Youth can be used alongside existing data that we have! We encourage everyone interested in Planet Youth to consider how using existing information and data can be used with the Planet Youth insights. These insights will enhance and support existing work – the data can support funding applications, supplement existing knowledge, and support changes. Planet Youth works best when it is embedded and woven within what already exists. It is not a replacement or standalone thing, that’s what makes it great!
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