The study also reveals that Irish teenagers have one of the lowest rates of cannabis use in the EU, at just 4%, and a relatively low rate of repeated drunkenness, at 13%.
In terms of obesity, one in five 15-year-olds in Ireland is classified as obese, slightly below the EU average of 21%. However, the report highlights a concern that nearly half of Irish teenagers do not consume fruit or vegetables daily, falling short of the EU average of 56%.
On a more positive note, Ireland ranks among the top five EU countries for the proportion of 15-year-olds meeting recommended physical activity levels. Junior Health Minister Colm Burke described the findings as “very positive.”