Youth substance use prevention aims to give young people the knowledge, skills, and support they need to avoid substance use. Key strategies include implementing school-based programs that teach decision-making and resistance skills, as well as encouraging strong family relationships and open communication.
Community programs, such as mentoring and extracurricular activities, provide positive outlets and reduce risk factors like peer pressure and exposure to substance use. Prevention efforts also benefit from policies that limit youth access to harmful substances and media campaigns that promote healthy lifestyles.