Youth Safeguarding in Italy: 300 Volunteers Distribute 500,000 Drug-Prevention Booklets

MILAN — 12 Feb. 2026 news eu economy — A volunteer network of around 300 people has been active since January nationwide for a drug-prevention awareness initiative, circulating educational materials titled “The Truth About Drugs” booklets. Organisers report that the distribution has already surpassed 500,000 booklets, with Milan leading the effort and other cities increasingly involved.

The European Office of the Church of Scientology is among those supporting the campaign in the context of its support for prevention and youth safeguarding work inspired by the work of L. Ron Hubbard. The booklets present straightforward information on substances, short- and long-term effects, and health risks.

The organisers further point to sports-community involvement. They say more than 100 athletes connected to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics have signed the Foundation for a Drug-Free World’s Honorary Register, backing prevention messaging aimed at young people. Organisers argue, sport offers a credible setting for prevention messaging because it is associated with discipline, recovery and mental focus.

Ivan Arjona, Scientology’s representative to the EU, OSCE, the Council of Europe and the United Nations, noted: “Across Europe, youth safeguarding is both a public-health goal and a civic responsibility. Verified, accessible information strengthens informed decision-making, and it helps communities reduce the social space in which criminal networks operate.”

More information: Scientology Europe report on Italy’s youth safeguarding outreach.