Young People's Voices Heard at Planet Youth Event

Dundee’s young people were at the heart of discussions at a recent event exploring key messages from the latest Planet Youth survey.

The recent event focused on findings from the survey which gives young people the opportunity to share their own experiences and perspectives.

The survey was delivered as part of the Scottish Planet Youth initiative, which explores issues around substance use and emotional wellbeing, as well as relationships between young people and their peers, families, schools and the wider community.

Currently running as one of six pilot areas in Scotland, Planet Youth is now taking place in all Dundee secondary schools. It is an evidence-based substance use prevention model that aims to delay and prevent substance use by increasing protective factors and reducing risk factors.  

The latest Planet Youth survey was conducted in September 2025 across all secondary schools in Dundee and involved S3 and S4 pupils. It focused on a wide range of wellbeing indicators, helping to identify both risk and protective factors.

Planning and action linked to Planet Youth is delivered through schools and Local Community Planning Partnerships, supported by Dundee Alcohol and Drugs Partnership and third sector partners. Partners are also working closely with the charity Winning Scotland.

Since the previous survey, several initiatives have been introduced in response to the findings. These include encouraging and creating more opportunities for young people to be more physically active, helping reduce exam stress, create safe spaces within schools, and launch a parent survey to understand the information parents need and how we can get it to them.

Key messages on protective factors which have emerged from the survey include:  

• Reduction in young people using substances  
• Feelings of care, warmth and safety are felt at home
• Young People know where to go to report and gain support if they are impacted by abuse
• Majority of young people, particularly girls, have positive relationships with staff in school

The survey has identified the following risk factors across the city:

• Spending four or more hours on social media daily
• Young people express lower feelings of safety out with their home compared to at home
• A lower number of girls participating in sport as they get older
• Being out after midnight

Children and Families convener Councillor Stewart Hunter said: "Planet Youth provides us with a unique insight into what our young people are thinking and feeling.

"It's great to see that since the latest survey has seen a decrease in the number of young people using substances like vaping and the majority of our young people feel safe at home.  

"The latest data gathered and the insight gained allow us to focus our efforts on the feedback from our S3 and S4 pupils and respond meaningfully and work with partner agencies to target our efforts on increasing protective factors for young people and reducing the risks they face.

"It’s great to see that 86% of our young people have taken part in this anonymous survey, really showing the strength of the pupil voice.

"They are the future of this city, and we must listen to and support them as they navigate the many challenges of life today."

Morgan Moore, Planet Youth Delivery Manager, Winning Scotland said: "It is hugely encouraging to see how Planet Youth has evolved in Dundee. This event and ongoing partnership working demonstrates the city’s commitment to moving towards upstream prevention for future generations.  

"We are proud to continue working alongside Dundee on their Planet Youth journey to help turn insight into action, ensuring that young people’s voices don’t just get heard, but shape real change in their schools, families and communities."