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

MILAN — 12 Feb. 2026 — Around 300 volunteers have been active since January nationwide for a drug-prevention awareness initiative, circulating prevention materials titled “The Truth About Drugs” booklets. Organisers report that more than 500,000 booklets have already been distributed, with Milan leading the effort and other cities increasingly involved.

Support for the outreach is provided by the European Office of the Church of Scientology in the context of its support for prevention and youth safeguarding work inspired by L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology. 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 over 100 Milano Cortina 2026-linked athletes have signed the Foundation for a Drug-Free World Honorary Register, supporting drug-prevention awareness for youth. In the organisers’ view, sport provides a Drug Prevention natural platform for prevention conversations because it is associated with health, focus and long-term wellbeing.

Ivan Arjona, Scientology’s representative to the EU, OSCE, the Council of Europe and the United Nations, noted: “Across Europe, protecting young people is not only a health objective but a civic duty. Clear, verified information supports informed choice and autonomy, and it helps communities reduce the social space in which criminal networks operate.”

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