Behaviours of young people
There's been a decrease in the numbers of young people smoking and drinking since 2014.
That's according to a new Health Behaviours in School-aged Children (HBSC) study of schoolchildren's behaviour.
ALCOHOL: 64% report they have never had an alcoholic drink (58% in 2014)
The most common source of #alcohol among 12-17 yr olds was from a parent/guardian or friend. #YouthHealth #HBSCIreland
— HealthyIreland (@HealthyIreland) January 9, 2020
64% of children surveyed say they have never had an alcoholic drink, up from 58% in 2014.
Of those who had drank before, 34% said they got the alcohol from a parent or guardian.
While fewer teenagers are having sex, with a reduction in the numbers of 15 to 17-year-olds reporting ever having had sexual intercourse.
However, of those reporting having had intercourse, use of the birth control pill is down by 4% to 29% in 2018 - while there is a 9% drop to 64% in those reporting use of condoms.
Alcohol Action Ireland says parents are wrong to think that introducing their child to alcohol is better in the long term.
The percentage of children who've tried tobacco was down from 16% in 2014 to 11%.
Over a fifth of 12 to 17-year-olds have tried vaping.
Overall, 22% of 12 to 17 year olds report that they have ever used e-cigarettes. Overall, 9% of 12 to 17 year olds report that they have used e-cigarettes in the last 30 days. Boys and older children are more likely to report usage of e-cigarettes. #HBSCIreland #youthhealth pic.twitter.com/yUZsw3dKUh
— HBSC Ireland (@hbscireland) January 9, 2020
A higher instance of bullying was also reported by children, with 30% saying they've been bullied in school, up from 25% in 2014.
