Study: Irish teens some of the least able to talk to parents about things that bother them

Irish teenagers are among the least able to talk to their parents about things that interest or bother them and many feel they do not have high levels of family support.

Research by the World Health Organisation (WHO) found just 42% of Irish 11-year-olds, 33% of 13-year-olds, and 23% of 15-year-olds enjoyed a high quality of communication within their family.

The study of 42 countries and regions, including EU member states, places Ireland fourth from bottom in terms of young people feeling high levels of family support, with the only notable exception being that girls tend to feel more supported the more affluent their family.