Kids in Ireland happier than UK
Childhood in Ireland is happier and healthier than in the UK, says a new report carried out in collaboration with the World Health Organization. By Shelley Marsden - 11/11/09
The survey, co-authored by NUI Galway, involved nearly 20,000 children aged 11 to 15 in Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales.
Entitled ‘Young People's Health in Great Britain and Ireland’, the report explored matters such as eating patterns, physical activity, substance use and relationships with family and friends.
In general, Irish children reported a higher rate of life satisfaction, and they were less likely to report feeling low or having a poor body image.
Irish children were also more likely to engage in physical activity and less likely to spend too much time on computers or games consoles.
After England, young people in Ireland had the lowest level of daily smoking at 6.5%. They also reported a lower level of consumption of alcoholic.
They were also most likely to live with both parents and in bigger households than their counterparts in England, Scotland and Wales.
No data was collected on sexual behaviour in Ireland, due to concerns that teachers and parents might object.
The researchers involved, however, hope this lack of data will be corrected in the future.
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