Young people are happier now than a decade ago

Young people are happier and healthier than a decade ago but social inequalities are impacting more on poorer adolescents’ health, research has found.

The results of health and social studies across 40 countries in Europe and north America, compiled in collaboration with the World Health Organisation, show overall improvements in the wellbeing of 11 to 15-year-olds between 1994 and 2010.

The Irish study partners at NUI Galway’s health promotion research centre say that, while there have been positive developments, issues about social inequality are a worry.

“Of real concern must now be the increases in social inequalities in Ireland, where children from poorer homes are more likely to report ill-health, and the gap between rich and poor has increased over time,” said NUIG senior lecturer in health promotion Saoirse Nic Gabhainn.

This inequality has increased significantly in only four other countries — Austria, Canada, France, and Lithuania — out of 37 where the relative risk of at least two health complaints a week among children in low-wealth families was measured.

Over the last decade in Ireland, there has been a decline in school-aged children drinking alcohol weekly and in experiencing multiple injuries. Self-rated health and ease of communication with parents have improved, but the study found increased pressure from school work and no reductions in bullying.

Ms Nic Gabhainn said policymakers can use the findings, published in The European Journal of Public Health, to ensure their decisions are effective.

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