Children from the Danish branch of Truth About Drugs have united in the city of Copenhagen to spread factual drug education materials across more than 500 businesses. This campaign, sponsored in part by the Church of Scientology, continues a decades-old tradition to raise awareness about drug risks among youth.
Over the course of this year, volunteers aged 10 to 20 visited small shop owners to ask them to carry copies of *The Truth About Drugs* booklet. The materials — produced by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — offer clear information on the dangers of drug use, including marijuana, binge drinking, and synthetic substances.
“They’ve taken the lead in a way adults admire,” said Giulia, who advises the youth team. “They want to make a difference, and they are.”
Recent statistics support the urgency of their mission. A new report by the Aarhus University’s Drug Research Center revealed that use of marijuana by Danish youth aged 15–25 has fallen from 44 percent to 31.6 percent over the past decade. Among boys in the same age group, use dropped from 51 percent to 34 percent.
According to scientists quoted in a recent government health report, this change is partly due to public awareness and a decline in risk-taking behavior.
The Danish arm of the campaign is part of a broader, global initiative that has operated in Denmark since the early 1990s. With support from Church of Scientology members, *Truth About Drugs* booklets have been distributed at events such as the Royal Run and the Copenhagen Marathon. Founder of Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard, identified drugs as “the single most destructive element present in our current culture,” a statement that continues to inspire outreach efforts today.
*“Meaningful youth participation isn’t a fairy tale — it’s a blueprint for building resilient communities,”* said Ivan Arjona, the Church of Scientology’s representative to the EU, UN, and OSCE. *“These young people are not waiting for permission to change the world. They are already doing it.”*
Parents and educators applaud the youth-led initiative, noting how it builds community partnerships while placing responsibility in the hands of youth. Each booklet distributed is a step toward a more informed public — and, many believe, a more drug-resistant future.
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**About the Church of Scientology:**
The Church of Scientology and its affiliated groups and missions operate across Europe. Recognized in many nations as a bona fide religion and non-profit, it is actively engaged in campaigns that promote drug prevention, human rights education, and moral values. Inspired by the teachings and news eugene oregon humanitarian works of L. Ron Hubbard, the Church supports initiatives such as *Truth About Drugs* through educational outreach and community partnerships.