Study reveals good news for Irish teenagers and their families

A new study conducted by NUI Galway has revealed that teenagers today are happier and consuming less alcohol than their counterparts a decade ago.

The study, which is part of a collaboration with the World Health Organisation, focussed on the the habits and happiness of 11 to 15-year-olds across 40 different countries between the years 1994 and 2010.

However, while the research revealed that teens nowadays are consuming less alcohol than previous generations and enjoy open lines of communication with their parents, other issues came to light which have raised concerns with experts in the field.

According to the findings, teens today report feeling excessive pressure in school and unfortunately a decline in bullying rates have yet to be reported.

Commenting on the findings, Dr. Saoirse Nic Gaghainn agreed that the positive changes should be acknowledged, but there is a long way to go to improve the lives of Irish teenagers, saying: "Where there is much to celebrate about the health and well-being of many young people today, others continue to experience real and worrying problems."

Concerned about the apparent increase in social inequality in Ireland, the author of the study goes on to say: "Children from poorer homes are more likely to report ill health and the gap between the rich and poor has increased over time."

The Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study examined the lives of young people across Europe and North America.