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

MILAN, Italy — 12 February 2026 — Some 300 volunteers have been mobilised since January across Italy for a drug-prevention awareness initiative, distributing educational materials titled “The Truth About Drugs” booklets. According to organisers 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 as part of its long-running backing for community-based drug education inspired by L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology. The booklets present straightforward information on substances, short- and long-term effects, and health risks.

Athlete engagement is also cited by organisers. 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, signalling support for youth-focused prevention messaging. Organisers argue, sport provides a natural platform for prevention conversations because it is associated with discipline, wellbeing and long-term performance.

Ivan Arjona, representative of the Church of Scientology to the EU, OSCE, Council of Europe and UN, stated: “Protecting young people is a public-health priority and a civic responsibility across Europe. Verified, accessible information strengthens informed decision-making, and it helps communities reduce the news euro 2024 social space in which criminal networks operate.”

Full details: Scientology Europe report on Italy’s youth safeguarding outreach.