UNODC Iran Culturally Adapts Listen First Animations to Support Families During COVID-19 Pandemic

In spring of 2021, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Iran adapted seven animated videos from the Listen First drug prevention campaign for the Iranian context. The Listen First campaign, developed by UNODC Headquarters, was launched in 2016. The science-based prevention campaign aims to raise awareness on the important role that caregivers, teachers, and others can play in the healthy and safe development of children by attentively listening to them.

To help Iranian families overcome the practical and emotional challenges that result from increased isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, UNODC Iran has culturally adapted and translated into Persian seven animations from the Listen First campaign that target caregivers. The animations cover the topics of active listening, praise, family activities, patience, physical activity, affection, and respect. The animations show the role each of these topics play in making families grow stronger and closer and making children grow up healthy and resilient to pressures to use drugs and commit crimes.

Each video is accompanied by a Persian-language text that further explains the message of the video and presents the scientific evidence that supports it. All of the animations and texts are available at https://www.unodc.ir/listenfirst.  This activity was made possible through generous funding from the European Union.