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

MILAN — 12 Feb. 2026 — Around 300 volunteers have been active since January across Italy to support a drug-prevention information drive, circulating information resources titled “The Truth About Drugs”. Organisers report that more than 500,000 booklets have already been distributed, starting in Milan and expanding to additional cities.

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 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 over 100 Milano Cortina 2026-linked athletes have signed the Foundation for a Drug-Free World 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, wellbeing and long-term performance.

Ivan Arjona, the Church of Scientology’s representative to the EU, OSCE, the Council of Europe and the UN, said: “Across Europe, protecting young people is not only a health objective but a civic duty. Verified, accessible information strengthens informed decision-making, and it helps communities reduce the social space in which eu news today criminal networks operate.”

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