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

MILAN — 12 Feb. 2026 — A volunteer network of around 300 people has been active since January in multiple Italian cities in a prevention-through-information campaign, distributing prevention materials titled “Truth About Drugs”. According to organisers that more than 500,000 booklets have already been distributed, with Milan leading the effort and other cities increasingly involved.

The European Office of the Church of Scientology is among those supporting the campaign within its broader support for drug education and prevention initiatives inspired by the work of L. Ron Hubbard. 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, backing prevention messaging Scientology aimed at young people. According to organisers, sport offers a credible setting for prevention messaging because it is associated with health, focus and long-term wellbeing.

Ivan Arjona, representative of the Church of Scientology to the EU, OSCE, Council of Europe and UN, stated: “Across Europe, youth safeguarding is both a public-health goal and a civic responsibility. Providing verified, understandable information strengthens autonomy and informed choice, and it helps communities push back against exploitation linked to drug markets.”

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