Young people in Ireland are no longer immune to the broader cultural forces that can dangerously shape disaffection among youth

You can offer support, remove distractions, and even impose consequences, but the decision to sit down, focus, and apply themselves rests solely with them

Many of us unwittingly discriminate against teenagers, regarding them as immature, antisocial, or unreliable, and this can have a profound impact on how they view themselves and their place in the world

For today's teenagers, where every activity is organised and structured, the loss of ‘hanging around’ for no particular reason has created a gap that no amount of texting or planning can fill

The way today's adolescents consume music is very different to previous generations but research has shown music still holds significant psychological importance for many teenagers

A competitive approach to team sports may benefit a small number of children but risks excluding many others

However, I have found that surrounding myself with patient, compassionate people is crucial to my wellbeing

Much of the public debate about AI has focused on jobs and economics. What concerns me more are the subtle shifts in trust, connection, and the way we experience one another

While it is understandable for teens not to talk about their bodies, a stigma around periods can lead to silence, shame, or misinformation

For many children, particularly those with ADHD, the expectation to sit still and focus for extended periods is not just difficult, it conflicts with how their brains are wired