Clydebank High School and the Planet Youth Scotland Partnership

That the Parliament commends Clydebank High School for taking part in the Planet Youth Scotland partnership, which is an innovative positive lifestyle project that has a proven track record of success, and has been adopted and adapted by 14 countries worldwide since its inception in 1998; understands that the charity, Winning Scotland, has teamed up with Planet Youth and four public-sector organisations across the country, including West Dunbartonshire, to introduce a similar model to the one first seen in Iceland, which, it understands, saw a huge drop in teenage drinking and smoking, increased sport participation and enabled families to spend more time together; notes that the project will begin this month with confidential pupil surveys, asking about school, home life and how they spend their free time, including whether they use drugs or alcohol, to take a snapshot of teenage life in the area, which will be analysed to help partner organisations address the needs and issues raised by the pupils; considers that young people are at the heart of this approach, by inviting them to share their experiences and opinions in the surveys, and ensuring that their voices are heard loud and clear in the design and development of any proposed solutions; believes that Planet Youth Scotland could help create conditions that allow young people to lead fulfilling lives and feel supported by their family, school and community, as well as reducing levels of alcohol and substance use, and acknowledges that this in turn will empower young people to make positive, informed decisions relating to their health, lifestyle and education that will help them now and in the future.