Most Irish teenagers are couch potatoes, says survey

IT’S official — most Irish teenagers are couch potatoes who don’t exercise enough. A Dublin City University survey of 940 students shows 65% of them admit it too.

More girls than boys are leading sedentary lifestyles, with 70% of girls compared with 58% of boys not exercising regularly.

The survey of those aged between 15 and 17 also highlighted the crucial role parents play in getting children physically active. Adolescents were more likely to be regularly active if their physical endeavours were supported and encouraged by parents.