What is Youth in Control about?
How does it work?
Why have this program in your school or community?
What you need to get started
What is Youth in Control about?
"Youth in Control" is a peer-led health promotion program for youth offered by Toronto Public Health.
A school staff advisor and Toronto Public Health staff provide support to youth leaders to plan and take action on one or more of the following issues:
- unsafe partying
- binge drinking
- risks of impairment from alcohol and other drugs
- marijuana misuse
- risky behaviours
- unsafe drivers and/or vehicle occupants
Activities by student peer leaders may include the following:
- an assessment of the health issues important to their school or community
- peer-led workshops for youth to reduce risks in the following areas: alcohol, drugs, marijuana use and binge drinking
- fun activities and events with health promotion messages on safer partying and safer driving in the school and community
- planning safety strategies or developing policies for social events at schools, such as athletic banquets, graduation parties, school dances, etc.
- planning activities to reach parents
- partnering with other organizations/groups (e.g. Parent Action on Drugs, Toronto Police Services, School Action Teams, Neighbourhood Action Groups, youth employment agencies, local businesses, etc)
"Youth in Control" student peer leaders receive:
- knowledge and skills in leadership, planning, organization, teamwork, communication, budgeting etc.
- ongoing support from a Staff Advisor and a Public Health Nurse
- start-up funds to help run the program
- achievement certificates
- an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments
Why have the Youth in Control program in your school or community?
Current trends and patterns in student drug use and high risk behaviours are concerning:
- 58% of Ontario students in grades 7-12 reported drinking alcohol in 2009*
- 25% of Ontario students in grades 7-12 reported binge drinking (5 or more drinks in one sitting)*
- 26% of Ontario students in grades 7-12 reported using marijuana*
- by grade 12, 83% reported using alcohol, 49% reported binge drinking, and 46% reported using marijuana*
- 23% of students in grades 7-12 report riding in a vehicle driven by someone who had been drinking alcohol and 18% reported riding in a vehicle driven by someone who had been using drugs*
* Highlights from the 2009 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey
- A participant program guide (PDF) provides more information about "Youth in Control", and how to implement the program in your school or community.
- Fun survivor challenge activities are available to complement the participant program guide.
- The Youth in Control newsletter provides updates about the program, and highlights youth and school achievements.
Contact the Public Health Nurse assigned to your school or call Toronto Health Connection at 416-338-7600.
Last updated October 2011