merrion street

Health Minister James Reilly today launched the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) Ireland Trends Report 1998-2010. The survey was carried out by the Health Promotion Research Centre in NUI Galway.

The report showed that more children reported high life satisfaction, while fewer children are smoking or drinking:

• In 2010 12% of Irish children said they were smoking compared to 21% in 1998.
• 28% reported that they had been drunk compared to 29% in 1998.  
• 8% reported that they had used cannabis compared to 10% in 1998.
• Seat-belt wearing rates have doubled (82%) amongst children since 1998
• 33% reported that their health was excellent compared to 28% in 1998.  ]
• High rates of life satisfaction (76%) and reported happiness (91%) continue.

The Minister said:

I am encouraged that the number of children who have smoked tobacco has decreased, similar to the trend in alcohol consumption and use of cannabis. This is a step in the right direction and I hope to see this continue for the good of all our children.  As Minister for Health I have placed a high priority in highlighting the deadly dangers of smoking, in particular, for our children and I will continue that battle.