Press Release: Thursday 26 December 2024
New report highlights positive trends in health behaviours of young people in Ireland
Adolescents (aged 15 years old) in Ireland rank favourably compared to their international counterparts when it comes to smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity and HPV vaccination.
Data from a new report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) includes a range of indicators, showing how young people in Ireland fare in terms of health behaviours.
Health at a Glance: Europe 2024, State of Health in the EU Cycle reveals that:
- Among 15-year-olds, Ireland has the lowest rate of smoking, at 7%, and among the lowest rates of cannabis smoking, at 4%, in the EU.
- The proportion of 15-year-olds reporting repeated drunkenness is among the lowest in the EU, at 13%.
- Ireland is among the top five EU countries in terms of the proportion of 15-year-olds meeting recommended physical activity levels.
- Ireland is one of just eight countries which achieved an HPV vaccination rate for boys of more than 60% in 2023.
The report also highlights some areas of concern. Almost half (47%) of 15-year-olds report that they eat neither fruit nor vegetables daily, although this is below the EU average of 56%.
The rate of overweight or obesity among 15-year-olds is 20%, marginally lower than the EU average of 21%. The rate of consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks among this age group is 8%, lower than the EU average of 14%. The publication cites the impact of Ireland’s Sugar-Sweetened Drinks Tax, introduced in 2018, which has led to an estimated reduction in sugar intake from carbonated soft drinks from 5kg per person in 2018 to less than 4kg in 2022.
Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drug Strategy Colm Burke said:
“This report highlights encouraging trends, particularly among younger age groups, which shows the positive impact of our efforts to support a healthier population.
“Ireland has long been a world leader in tackling smoking rates, and we continue to work towards the vision of a tobacco free Ireland, including raising the minimum age of sale of tobacco to 21. We are also making progress in reducing alcohol-related harm, with several measures in the Public Health (Alcohol) Act, 2018 designed to protect children. Budget 2025 also provides for the delivery of evidence-based drug prevention programmes to aimed at deterring young people from engaging in harmful behaviours.
“In terms of nutrition and physical activity, it’s very positive to see that Ireland outperforms the majority of EU countries, but we cannot be complacent. Work continues on initiatives that will enable the creation of a healthier food environment, including a new Safefood campaign.
“In addition, 2024 saw significant investment in projects to support increased physical activity across all ages, including the Active School Flag programme, Parkrun and upgrades to outdoor swimming facilities and walking tracks. Our focus in 2025 will be to build on this work, guided by the soon to be published National Physical Activity Framework.
“I’m also heartened by the continuing high rates of vaccination for HPV. We are privileged in this country to have access to safe and effective vaccines, and I encourage people to take the opportunity to protect themselves by taking the vaccines they are offered.”