Irish teenagers are among the least happy in developed nations despite leading in academic achievement, according to a new UNICEF report examining child wellbeing across 43 OECD and EU countries.
The study, which ranks Ireland 24th overall for adolescent mental health, reveals that one in three Irish teenagers experience “low life satisfaction” – a condition the report links to increased social media usage and pandemic-related disruptions.
Peter Power, Executive Director of UNICEF Ireland, highlighted the concerning disconnect between academic and emotional wellbeing: “Ireland’s teens are succeeding in school, but struggling in life. We must match our investment in academic achievement with the same urgency for mental and emotional wellbeing.”
The findings show a significant decline in youth mental health between pre and post-COVID periods, attributed to increased isolation, restricted social interaction, and disrupted support systems during extended lockdowns. While Ireland’s youth suicide rate of 6.4 per 100,000 remains above the international average, the data indicates a decrease in these figures during the study period.
The report also identifies physical health concerns, with one in four Irish teenagers (25.7%) classified as overweight or obese. In response, UNICEF is urging the government to implement strict nutritional standards for school meals and invest substantially in mental health services, particularly in disadvantaged communities.
Aibhlin O’Leary, Head of Advocacy at UNICEF Ireland, emphasized the pandemic’s unequal impact: “The pandemic has deepened existing inequalities, setting a troubling precedent for children’s wellbeing—particularly among those from disadvantaged and marginalised backgrounds.”
UNICEF is calling for a comprehensive, child-centered approach to address these challenges, including measures to promote digital literacy and ensure young people have a voice in shaping policies that affect their futures.