59% of Tipperary teenagers aged 15-16 years report having an after-school social space, additionally 59% report having very good mental health with 1 in 4 having admitted to self-harm.
These are the findings by Planet Youth Tipperary which today released its first comprehensive county report based on its 2024 survey of adolescents aged 15–16 years across Tipperary.
Tipperary are one of a collective of counties engaged with Planet Youth in Ireland. Planet Youth is an Icelandic prevention model which uses a whole population approach and offers the opportunity to improve health and life outcomes for young people.
Planet Youth Tipperary 2024 County Report developed in partnership with RCSI researchers, provides valuable insights into the lives of young people and highlights priority areas for community action.
Planet Youth Tipperary aims to improve overall health and wellbeing of children and young people through a community-based, data-driven approach. In 2024, 1,737 young people from 30 secondary schools, including 6 further education and community training centres across Tipperary participated in an anonymous survey covering six domains of life: home life; school life; health and wellbeing; hobbies and leisure; substance use; and community.
The report found that 84% of respondents admit to having a phone in their bedroom and 17% use their phone between midnight and 6am, while more than 30% spend three of more hours on social media every day.
The report also highlights that 77% of respondents have tried alcohol. 44% have vaped, with peak initiation at 14 years of age, and 41% bought their vaping products in shops, despite legal restrictions.
While use of Cannabis was low (7%), 37% of respondents said it is easy to access.
Other issues highlighted in the report include:
- 72% of teens often spend time with parents at weekends, and 92% find it easy to receive caring and warmth.
- 12% reported witnessing physical violence at home, and 15% witnessed psychological violence.
- Most students reported positive relationships with teachers, but 29% found schoolwork hard.
- 19% have a diagnosed learning difficulty or neurodevelopmental condition such as ADHD or autism, dyslexia, dyscalculia or dyspraxia.
- While most rated their physical health as good, 11% reported bad mental health.
- Self-harm was reported by 28% of adolescents, and 6% had attempted suicide.
- Only 14% meet recommended daily physical activity levels.
According to Marian Daly, Planet Youth Tipperary Coordinator, the report highlights the need for enhanced mental health supports and stronger enforcement of vaping laws. The development of safe youth spaces, supports for neurodiverse students, and initiatives to increase physical activity and healthy eating are also necessary.
Fiona Crotty, Tipperary County Council noted that “This data gives us a roadmap for improving the lives of young people in Tipperary, based on the participation of young people in self-reporting their lived experiences. By working together - parents, schools, and communities - we can create safer, healthier environments for our youth.”
Stephanie O’Callaghan, Tipperary CYPSC Coordinator, acknowledged the role of the schools and education centres in facilitating the survey, and more importantly the young people who took part in screening and participating in the survey and provided Tipperary with a baseline for future data.
Planet Youth Tipperary is steered by Tipperary County Council, Tipperary CYPSC, HSE, Tusla, Tipperary ETB, Education Centre Representatives, and Youth Work Ireland Tipperary who are the implementing partner.
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For further information, visit tipperary.planetyouth.ie.
Tipperary Report https://tipperary.planetyouth.ie/data-research/
Contact
Marian Daly Planet Youth Tipperary Coordinator,
086 066 3777 info@planetyouthtipperary.ie
Fiona Crotty, Administrative Officer, Economic, Community and Rural Development
M 087 1252 938 E fiona.crotty@tipperarycoco.ie
Stephanie O’ Callaghan, Tipperary Children and Young People’s Services Committee (CYPSC) Co-ordinator
Mobile: +353 872076726 ¦ Email: stephanie.ocallaghan1@tusla.ie
