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.