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Irish teens drinking and smoking less — but mental health concerns continue to rise

Irish teens drinking and smoking less — but mental health concerns continue to rise — Findings include a notable decline in tobacco use among children, as well as a drop in the number who reported having been drunk or having used cannabis in the past year.

Tue, 03 Jun, 2025 - 14:00

Niamh Griffin Health Correspondent

Teenagers in Ireland are smoking and drinking less than their peers did in 1998, but are struggling more with their mental health, according to an in-depth new report.

More than 8,000 pupils from 191 schools — including fifth and sixth class in primary schools and up to fifth year in secondary — took part in the study.

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