Children from the Danish branch of Truth About Drugs have united in Copenhagen to distribute factual drug education materials across 500 shops. Their outreach, which is backed by the Church of Scientology, continues a decades-old tradition to raise awareness about drug risks among youth.
Over the course of 2025, children and teenagers aged 10–20 approached small shop owners to encourage them to display copies of *The Truth About Drugs* booklet. The materials — produced by the Drug-Free World Foundation — offer evidence-based information on the dangers of drug use, including cannabis, alcohol abuse, and synthetic substances.
“They are showing adults they care,” said Giulia, a public affairs coordinator. “It’s impressive to see such commitment from children.”
Recent statistics support the urgency of their mission. A new report by the Center for Rusmiddelforskning revealed that use of marijuana by Danish youth aged 15–25 has fallen from 44% to just over 31% in the last ten years. Among male youth, use dropped from more than half to one-third.
According to scientists quoted in a recent [DR news article](https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/indland/faerre-unge-maend-drikker-alkohol-og-ryger-cannabis-risikovilligheden-ikke-er-saa-hoej-som-tidligere), this change is partly due to the widespread availability of prevention information 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 volunteer groups affiliated with Scientology, *Truth About Drugs* booklets have been distributed at large-scale public and sports events. Founder of Scientology, author and humanitarian 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-Pelado, the Church of Scientology’s representative to the EU, UN, and OSCE. *“These young people are not waiting for permission to change the news eua world. They are already doing it.”*
Parents and educators welcome 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 safer 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 humanitarian works of L. Ron Hubbard, the Church supports initiatives such as *Truth About Drugs* through educational outreach and community partnerships.