Reimagining Youth Drug Prevention Through Creativity and Peer Influence - Project Out of the Blue
What youths hear matters. Who they hear it from decides whether it sticks.
Drug prevention has long been a national priority in Singapore, supported by strong enforcement, structured rehabilitation, and sustained public education efforts.
Yet the challenge continues to evolve.
Each year, thousands are arrested for drug-related offences, and a significant proportion are young people. According to the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) Annual Statistics Report 2025, 583 new drug abusers arrested in 2025, representing 50% of all new drug abusers, were below 30 years old.
Prevention, therefore, cannot remain static. It must evolve with the people it seeks to reach.
Why this matters
Traditional approaches to drug prevention often focus on awareness and consequences. While necessary, awareness alone does not always translate into behaviour change.
Young people are more likely to respond to messages that feel authentic, relatable, and grounded in lived experience. Therefore, positive peer influence plays a critical role in shaping decisions, especially during moments of vulnerability.
YGOS’ role
Through this initiative, Youth Guidance Outreach Services continues its commitment to upstream prevention alongside its rehabilitation and intervention efforts, in support of the #DrugFreeSG movement.
At YGOS, our work with youths goes beyond addressing visible behaviours. We engage with the underlying realities such as emotional struggles, environmental pressures, and the need for support systems that foster growth.
In this project, we lead the youth engagement and facilitation process, creating meaningful opportunities for participation, reflection, and conversation that can positively shape attitudes and decisions.
The music of Project Out of the Blue
Project Out of the Blue comes to life through a series of original songs and music videos shaped by the voices and experiences of youths.
Music Video 1:
Stronger Out Of The Blue
Created with youths from Singapore Boys’ Home, Stronger Out Of The Blue is about finding the courage to stay, speak up and let others walk with you when life feels overwhelming.
