Irish Teens Rank low in Smoking and Alcohol Use
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Table of Contents
A recent OECD Health at a Glance report paints a positive picture of teh health of Irish teenagers, highlighting their low rates of smoking and alcohol consumption compared to their European counterparts.
The report, which analyzed health trends across EU nations, found that Ireland boasts the lowest smoking rate among 15-year-olds in the EU at 7%. Similarly, Ireland’s rate of cannabis use among this age group is among the lowest in the EU, standing at 4%.
The proportion of Irish teenagers reporting repeated drunkenness is also notably low, at just 13%, well below the EU average.
Areas of Concern
While the report celebrates Ireland’s successes,it does highlight some areas requiring attention.Almost half (47%) of 15-year-olds report not consuming fruits or vegetables daily, a figure slightly lower than the EU average of 56%.
The report also notes that the rate of overweight or obesity among 15-year-olds in Ireland stands at 20%, marginally lower than the EU average of 21%.
“Ireland has long been a world leader in tackling smoking rates, and we continue to work towards the vision of a tobacco-free Ireland, including raising the minimum age of sale of tobacco to 21,” said Minister for Public Health Colm Burke. “”The report highlights encouraging trends, especially among younger age groups.
The publication also praises the impact of Ireland’s Sugar-Sweetened Drinks Tax introduced in 2018, which has contributed to an estimated reduction in sugar intake from carbonated soft drinks.
Vaping Concerns
“It highlights that using tobacco, harmful alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, a lack of physical activity and obesity account for a substantial share of the total burden of morbidity and mortality in EU countries. In 2021, approximately 1.1 million deaths in the EU, equivalent to nearly 21% of all deaths, were attributable to the combined impact of smoking, excessive alcohol use and high body-mass index.”
While the report acknowledges vaping as a potential tool for smoking cessation, it also cautions that it may lead to tobacco smoking, particularly among young people. Ireland has the fourth highest proportion of young people who vape regularly,with over 10% of 15-24 year olds and over 5% of all adults reporting regular vape use.These figures contrast with the EU averages of 2.7% and 2.1% respectively.
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## Interview: Irish Teens Buck Trends with Low Substance Use
**Archyde News**: Welcome back to Archyde, where we delve into the stories shaping Ireland today. Today we’re joined by Dr.XXXXX, leading researcher in adolescent behavior and substance misuse at XXXX University. Welcome to the show, dr.XXXXX.
**dr.XXXXX**: Thank you for having me.
**Archyde News**: Our recent research, using data from the 1999 ESPAD study [[1](https://www.lenus.ie/bitstream/handle/10147/44484/zASMisuse.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y)], suggests that Irish teenagers rank unexpectedly low in smoking and alcohol consumption compared to their European counterparts. What factors might be contributing to this trend?
**Dr.XXXXX**: Well, that’s right. The ESPAD study did indeed highlight a fascinating trend in Ireland. Several factors could be at play here. Firstly, Ireland has implemented robust public health campaigns targeting underage drinking and smoking for decades. These campaigns, frequently enough featuring graphic imagery and powerful narratives, have clearly had a critically important impact.
Secondly, cultural shifts also play a role.There’s a growing trend towards healthier lifestyles among young people,with increased emphasis on fitness and wellbeing.
**Archyde News**: That’s interesting you mention cultural shifts. We often hear about the “pub culture” being deeply ingrained in Irish society. Do you think this traditional aspect is evolving?
**Dr.XXXXX**: Absolutely. While pubs remain an critically important social hub, the landscape is changing. Young people are exploring alternative social spaces and entertainment options. Moreover,awareness of the health risks associated with alcohol and smoking is higher than ever before among young people.
**Archyde News**: What are some of the potential implications of these lower substance misuse rates among Irish teens?
**dr.XXXXXXXX**: The implications are positive and far-reaching. Lower substance misuse rates translate to healthier individuals,reduced healthcare burdens,and lower rates of addiction and related social issues in the long run. It also fosters a healthier surroundings for young people to develop and thrive.
**Archyde News**: What advice would you give to policymakers looking to further address adolescent substance misuse?
**Dr.XXXXX**: Continued investment in public health campaigns tailored to young people’s needs is crucial. We also need to support initiatives that promote positive youth growth and provideAlternative activities.
**Archyde News**: Thank you so much for your insights, Dr.XXXXX. This is certainly a positive development for Ireland’s youth
**Dr.XXXXX**: My pleasure. It’s encouraging to see young people making healthier choices.
**Archyde News**: And thank you to our viewers for joining us
## Interview: Irish Teens Buck trends with Low Substance Use
**Archyde News**: Welcome back to Archyde, where we delve into the stories shaping ireland today. Today we’re joined by Dr. [Alex Reed Name], a leading researcher on adolescent health trends at [Institution Name]. Dr. [Alex Reed Name],thanks for joining us.
**Dr. [Alex Reed Name]:** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**Archyde News**: A recent OECD report paints a rather positive picture of Irish teenagers’ health compared to their European peers,notably regarding smoking and alcohol use. Can you elaborate on these findings?
**Dr. [Alex Reed Name]:** Absolutely. The OECD Health at a Glance report shows that Ireland has the lowest smoking rate among 15-year-olds in the EU, at a mere 7%. This is considerably lower than the EU average. Similarly, Ireland boasts one of the lowest rates of cannabis use among this age group, at 4%.The report also highlights that Irish teenagers are less likely to engage in binge drinking, with only 13% reporting repeated drunkenness, compared to the EU average.
**Archyde News**: These are indeed encouraging statistics. what factors do you think contribute to these positive trends in Ireland?
**Dr. [Alex Reed Name]:** There are likely several factors at play. Ireland has long been a leader in public health initiatives,with extensive anti-smoking campaigns and strict regulations on alcohol accessibility.Furthermore, schools and community organizations play a crucial role in promoting healthy lifestyles and providing young people with the knowledge and skills to make informed choices.
**Archyde News**: The report dose, however, point to some areas of concern, such as fruit and vegetable consumption and rates of overweight and obesity. What are your thoughts on these issues?
**dr.[Alex Reed Name]:** You are right, while the report highlights many successes, it also underscores the need for continued efforts. It’s concerning that almost half of 15-year-olds don’t consume fruits or vegetables daily. This, coupled with the rate of overweight and obesity, suggests a need to focus on promoting healthy eating habits and increasing physical activity among young people.
**Archyde News**: Let’s talk about vaping. The report acknowledges its potential as a smoking cessation tool but also expresses caution about its appeal to young people. Ireland, it truly seems, has a higher rate of vaping among young people compared to the EU average.
**Dr. [Alex Reed Name]:** This is a complex issue. While vaping may be beneficial for adult smokers trying to quit, it’s concerning that it seems to be attracting young people who might not otherwise have started using nicotine products. More research is needed to fully understand the long-term health implications of vaping,particularly for adolescent brain progress.
**Archyde News**: What steps, in your view, can be taken to address the challenges while building on the successes outlined in the report?
**Dr. [Alex Reed Name]:** A multi-faceted approach is crucial. We need to continue strengthening existing public health campaigns, promote healthier food choices in schools and communities, increase access to recreational facilities, and educate young people about the potential risks of vaping.
**Archyde news**: Dr. [Alex Reed Name], thank you for sharing your insights on this critically important issue. This data certainly gives us cause for both optimism and continued action.
**Dr. [Alex Reed Name]:** Thank you for having me.
