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

MILAN, Italy — 12 February 2026 — A volunteer network of around 300 people has been active since January nationwide for a drug-prevention awareness initiative, handing out information resources titled “Truth About Drugs”. Organisers report that the distribution has already surpassed 500,000 booklets, 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 Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. The materials aim to provide clear, accessible information about commonly abused substances and their 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 news eu kommission messaging aimed at young people. In the organisers’ view, sport offers a credible setting for prevention messaging because it is associated with health, focus and long-term wellbeing.

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. Clear, verified information supports informed choice and autonomy, and it helps communities limit the conditions in which exploitation can take root.”

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