Prevention Day 2023 is today.

Let's consider the mental well-being of our young people.

Wednesday, 4 October is Prevention Day 2023. Prevention Day is held every autumn and focuses particularly on pupils in the 9th grade of primary school and in their first year of secondary school. Pupils in Hafnarfjörður's primary schools take an active part in the day, engaging in activities such as education, group work and discussions about protective factors against distress and risky behaviour. The City of Hafnarfjörður takes its preventative role seriously and, for some time now, has also been offering a variety of peer education within its primary schools. The day is being held for the eighteenth time in the country's primary schools and for the thirteenth time in its secondary schools.

Prevention Day is held at the initiative of the President of Iceland.

The aim of Prevention Day is to raise awareness of important aspects of prevention work concerning young people and to educate them on how they can look after their well-being. On the Prevention Day website, you can find information and videos about prevention, among other things. www.forvarnardagur.is. All those involved with children and young people in one way or another are encouraged to uphold the values of the Prevention Day. The Prevention Day is held at the initiative of the President of Iceland. Other partners include the Office of the Chief Medical Officer, which manages the day's programme, Association of Icelandic Municipalities, the City of Reykjavík, Samfés, Home-School – the National Parents' Association, the Icelandic Youth Association, the Icelandic Sports and Olympic Association, the Scouts, Research and Analysis, Planet Youth, and SAFF – the Cooperation of Associations in Prevention. Prevention is an ongoing task that concerns both the general public and those responsible for societal decision-making and policy-setting. This work is strengthened by the cooperation of all parties in society.

Three keys to a good life for young people

• Togetherness. Research has shown that spending time with family is of the utmost importance when it comes to the well-being of young people. Young people who have constructive time with their parents and friends, and who receive support, are more likely to succeed in life. Let's be there for each other. Parental support matters!
• Participation in organised sports and leisure activities. It has been shown that participation in ORGANISED SPORT AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES is very important for the future of children and young people. Young people who take part in organised activities are more likely to succeed, whether in sports, music, the Scouts, youth clubs or youth centres. The most important thing is to find what interests each individual. We encourage children and young people to take an active part in organised sports and leisure activities.
• Let the brain develop. Let the brain develop as it continues to form until the age of 20. Alcohol has a detrimental effect on brain development, so it is important to make an informed decision to delay drinking alcohol or to abstain from it altogether. Caffeine, nicotine and other stimulants should be avoided, and attention should be paid to good night's sleep, nutrition and exercise. Every year matters – let's give the brain a chance to develop!

Parents, guardians and all those involved in the affairs of children and young people in one way or another are encouraged to promote Prevention Day and take an active part.