Irish Children's Health Behaviours Survey Finds Decreases in Smoking, Drinking

The Irish Health Behaviour in
School-aged Children (HBSC)
Study 2010

1
The Irish Health Behaviour in School-aged
Children (HBSC) Study 2010
February 2012
Colette Kelly, Aoife Gavin, Michal Molcho and Saoirse Nic Gabhainn.
Health Promotion Research Centre
National University of Ireland, Galway
www.nuigalway.ie/hbsc

2
The Irish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) Study 2010
© Copyright 2012
Health Promotion Research Centre, National University of Ireland, Galway
Department of Health, Government of Ireland, Dublin
Published by the Department of Health and National University of Ireland, Galway.
ISBN: 978-1-908358-02-8
A version of the report in Irish is available online at:
www.nuigalway.ie/hbsc

3
Foreword..............................................................................4
Introduction........................................................................5
Executive Summary...........................................................6
Methodology.......................................................................9
Results.................................................................................11
General Health.............................................................13
Smoking.........................................................................19
Alcohol...........................................................................23
Drug Use........................................................................27
Food and Dietary Behaviour.....................................29
Exercise and Physical Activity..................................41
Self-care.........................................................................47
Injuries...........................................................................51
Physical Fighting and Bullying.................................53
Sexual Health Behaviours.........................................57
Appendix............................................................................59
Project Team......................................................................62
Acknowledgements..........................................................63
Contents
Entries below are clickable links.

4
Foreword
Once again, we have been given a window into the health
behaviours of school-going children – an insight that is
invaluable for how we approach policy in various domains.
This adds to the body of research already available on the
lifestyles and health behaviours of Irish people; and we use this
information with one aim in mind: To improve and protect the
health of the Irish population.
The Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey
provides us with a roadmap for the future direction of policy
to improve and protect the health of the nation: It tells us the
areas where policy needs to adjust and focus; the future trends
in relevant behaviours; so as to assist Government in addressing
the behavioural trends that are a source of concern, or indeed to prevail with existing policy
where encouraging positive behaviour trends have been reported.
The context of this research study is the World Health Organization: HBSC is a cross-national
research study conducted in collaboration with the WHO Regional Office for Europe that has 43
participating countries and regions; and this is the fourth time that my Department has funded
the Irish phase of the study. This gives us the opportunity to continue monitoring and identifying
health behaviour trends in a way that is comparable with other participating countries.
The survey describes health behaviours in children aged between 9 to 18 years. While some
responses from children indicate little change from those reported in 2006, other data are
encouraging: I am heartened that the proportion of children who have smoked tobacco has
decreased, similar to the trend in alcohol consumption and use of cannabis; nutrition and
dietary trends also appear to be – on balance – positive with more children eating vegetables
and a decrease in the consumption of sweets and soft drinks; but I am disheartened to
note that an overall increase has been reported in the proportion of children who report
experiencing hunger. Finally, for the first time, the study includes the sexual health
behaviours of children aged between 15 and 17 years. Overall the survey provides us with
essential lifestyle information that my Department will use in promoting healthy lifestyles in
health and other sectors.
I wish to acknowledge the work of the Health Promotion Research Centre at the National
University of Ireland, Galway in compiling this study. Finally I would like to thank all those
students who took time to complete the questionnaires, their parents and the staff from the
participating schools for their support.
Dr James Reilly
Minister for Health

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Introduction
This report presents data from the HBSC Ireland 2010, the Irish Health Behaviour in School-
aged Children survey. The 2010 HBSC survey is the fourth time that data of this kind have
been collected from young people across the Republic of Ireland; previous surveys were
conducted in 2006, 2002 and 1998 (www.nuigalway.ie/hbsc).
HBSC is a cross-sectional research study conducted in collaboration with the World Health
Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe. The HBSC international survey runs
on an academic 4-year cycle and in 2009/2010 there were 43 participating countries and
regions (www.hbsc.org). The overall study aims to gain new insight into, and increase our
understanding of young people’s health and well-being, health behaviours and their social
context. As well as serving a monitoring and a knowledge-generating function, one of the key
objectives of HBSC has been to inform policy and practice.
Cross-nationally, HBSC collects information on the key indicators of health, health attitudes
and health behaviour, as well as the context of health for young people. HBSC is a school-
based survey with data collected through self-completion questionnaires administered
by teachers in the classroom. The HBSC survey instrument is a standard questionnaire
developed by the international research network. The areas of interest are chosen in
collaboration with the WHO and are designed to help assist developments at a national and
international level in relation to youth health.
The issues identified for inclusion in this first report from the 2010 Irish survey mirror the
2006 national HBSC report and were identified by the Advisory Board and within key
national Strategy documents. These include general health, smoking, use of alcohol and other
substances, food and dietary behaviour, exercise and physical activity, self-care, injuries and
bullying. In addition, children aged 15 and over were also asked, for the first time in the Irish
HBSC survey, to report their sexual health behaviours and these data are presented here.
Statistically significant differences by gender, age and social class are presented in this report.
The HBSC study was funded by the Department of Health and the Department of Children
and Youth Affairs. The survey and analyses were carried out at the Health Promotion
Research Centre, National University of Ireland, Galway (NUI Galway).

6
Executive Summary
A summary of the main findings from HBSC Ireland 2010 is provided below:
General Health
Overall, the proportion of children who report excellent health (33%), feeling very happy
(50%) and high life satisfaction (76%) remains stable from HBSC 2006. In general, younger
children and boys are more likely to report positive health. Children from lower social class
groups are less likely to report excellent health and high life satisfaction.
The proportion of 3rd and 4th class children who report excellent health (39%) and feeling
very happy (70%) remains stable from 2006. There are no significant differences across gender
or social class groups.
Substance use
Overall, there is a decrease from 2006 in reports of tobacco, alcohol and cannabis use among
school children in Ireland.
Smoking
Reports of current smoking (12%) and having ever smoked (27%) have declined since 2006
(15% and 36% respectively). Differences by age and social class are evident for both measures
of smoking, with older children and those from lower social classes more likely to report both
behaviours. Boys are more likely to report having ever smoked than girls, with a notable drop
in ever smoking among older girls (47% in 2010 vs. 57% in 2006).
The proportion of 3rd
and 4th
class children who report that they have ever smoked (3%) has
decreased from 2006 and reports of current smoking status remains the same (1%) as in 2006.
Boys are more likely than girls to report such behaviours. There are no significant differences
across social class groups.
Alcohol
Reports of alcohol consumption have decreased among school children in Ireland since
2006 with 46% of children reporting ever drinking (53% in 2006) and 21% reporting being
current drinkers (26% in 2006). Rates of drunkenness (28% in 2010 vs. 32% in 2006) and
reports of been drunk in the last 30 days (18% in 2010 vs. 20% in 2006) have also decreased.
Age and gender differences are observed for all four measures of alcohol consumption, with
older children and boys more likely to report drinking and drunkenness. Children from lower
social classes are more likely to report having been ‘really drunk’.
Drug Use
Reported cannabis use, both in the past 12 months (8% in 2010 vs. 16% in 2006) and in the
past 30 days (5% in 2010 vs. 7% in 2006), has decreased. Boys and older children are more
likely to report use of cannabis. No social class differences are evident.

7
Food and Dietary Behaviour
Food (e.g., vegetable) and dietary behaviours (e.g., dieting to lose weight) among school children in
Ireland have improved or remain stable since HBSC 2006.
Food consumption
Overall,20%ofchildrenreportthattheyconsumefruitmorethanonceaday(19%in2006)and
20%reporteatingvegetablesmorethanonceaday(18%in2006).Girls,youngerchildrenandthose
fromhighersocialclassesaremorelikelytoreportregularfruitandvegetableconsumption.
Overall the proportion of children who report eating sweets daily or more often (37% in 2010
vs. 39% in 2006), and who report soft drink consumption daily or more often (21% in 2010
vs. 26% in 2006) have decreased from 2006. Older children and children from lower social
class groups are more likely to report regular consumption of sweets and soft drinks. Gender
differences are also observed, with girls more likely to report frequent sweet consumption
(39% girls vs. 34% boys) and boys more likely to report frequent intake of soft drinks (23%
boys vs. 19% girls).
Similar patterns are evident among 3rd and 4th class children, with an increase in vegetable
consumption (26% in 2010 vs. 21% in 2006), no change in fruit intake (30%) or sweets
consumption (28%), and a decrease in soft drink consumption (15% in 2010 vs. 18% in 2006).
Food behaviours
Reports of never having breakfast on weekdays have not changed from 2006 (13% in 2010 vs.
14% in 2006). Girls, older children and those from lower social class groups are more likely
to report that they never have breakfast on weekdays. The proportion of 3rd and 4th class
children who report never having breakfast on weekdays also remains stable from 2006 (2%).
Children were asked to report how often they go to school or to bed hungry because there
was not enough food at home. Overall, 21% of children report ever going to school or to bed
hungry, an increase from 2006 (17%). Boys, younger children and those from lower social
classes are all more likely to report going to school or to bed hungry.
Reports of dieting (or doing something else) to lose weight in 2010 (13%) remain stable from
2006 (12%). Girls and older children are more likely to report dieting (or trying) to lose
weight.
Exercise and physical activity
There has been little change in reported frequency of exercise, physical activity and inactivity
in HBSC 2010. Overall 51% of children report exercising four or more times a week (53% in
2006), 9% of children report participating in vigorous exercise less than weekly (10% in 2006)
and 25% of children report being physically active on 7 days in the last week (27% in 2006).
With each of these three measures, gender and age group differences are evident. In general,
boys and younger children are more likely to be active. Children from lower social classes are

8
more likely to report inactivity and those from middle social classes are more likely to report
being physically active on 7 days in the last week.
Among 3rd and 4th class children 70% report exercising four or more times a week (72% in
2006) and 7% report participating in vigorous exercise less than weekly (8% in 2006).
Self-care
Self-reported tooth brushing, at a frequency of more than once a day (67%), remains stable from
2006 (63%), with the same pattern evident among 3rd and 4th class children (66% in 2010 vs.
64% in 2006). Girls and children in higher social class groups are more likely to report brushing
their teeth more than once a day. There are no significant differences across age groups.
Children were asked how often they use a seatbelt when in a car. Overall, 81% of children
report always wearing a seatbelt, which remains stable from 2006 (79%). Girls and younger
children are more likely to report always using a seatbelt.
Injuries
There is an overall decrease in the number of children who report being injured and needing
medical attention once or more in the last 12 months (37% in 2010 vs. 43% in 2006). Boys and
older children are more likely to report ever being injured. Of those reporting an injury, 57%
report that they missed 3 or more days of usual activity in the past year due to injury (56% in
2006). Gender and age differences are similar to those reported for injury prevalence, with no
social class effect observed.
Bullying
The rates of children reporting ever being bullied remain unchanged since 2006 at 24%.
However, the proportion of children reporting bullying others in the past couple of months
has decreased (17% in 2010 vs. 22% in 2006). Boys are more likely to report both ever being
bullied and that they have bullied others. Younger children are more likely to report having
been bullied, while older children are more likely to report bullying others. There are no
differences across social class groups.
The percentage of 3rd and 4th class children who report ever being bullied (37%) remains
unchanged from 2006. There are no significant differences across gender or social class groups.
Sexual Behaviour
Overall, 27% of 15-17 year olds report that they have ever had sex. Boys and those from lower
social class groups are more likely to report ever having sex.
Of those who report ever having had sex, 93% report using a condom the last time they had
sex and 59% report that they had used the birth control pill. Girls are more likely to report
using the birth control pill as a form of contraceptive with no gender differences in reports of
condom use as a form of contraceptive. There are no differences across social class groups.

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Methodology
HBSC 2010 & Middle Childhood Survey
The HBSC survey is a WHO (European) collaborative study. Principal investigators from all
countries/regions co-operate in relation to survey content, methodology and timing, and an
international protocol is developed. Strict adherence to the protocol is required for inclusion
in the international database and this has been achieved with the current study.
In the Republic of Ireland, sampling was conducted in order to be representative of the
proportion of children in each of the 8 geographical regions. The objective was to achieve a
nationally representative sample of school-aged children, and the procedures employed were
the same as those for the 1998, 2002 and 2006 HBSC Ireland surveys. Data from the 2006
census was employed to provide a picture of the population distribution across geographical
regions. The sampling frame consisted of primary and post-primary schools, lists of which
were provided by the Department of Education and Science. A two-stage process identified
study participants. Individual schools within regions were first randomly selected and
subsequently, class groups within schools were randomly selected for participation. In
primary schools classes from 3rd
to 6th
class groups were included, while in post-primary
schools all classes, with the exception of Leaving Certificate groups (i.e., final year
examination classes) were sampled.
School principals were first approached by post and when positive responses were received,
HBSC questionnaires in Irish or English were offered, along with blank envelopes to facilitate
anonymity, parental consent forms, information sheets for teachers and classroom feedback
forms. All returns were facilitated through the provision of FREEPOST envelopes. In order
to maximise response rates, postal reminders were sent to schools, followed by telephone calls
from research staff at the Health Promotion Research Centre, NUI Galway. Data entry was
conducted according to the International HBSC protocol. A summary of the methodology
employed can be found in Table 1.
Data were collected from children in 3rd
and 4th
class, using an abbreviated version of the main
HBSC questionnaire. Data on sexual health behaviours were only collected from the older
age group.

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Table 1: Summary of methodology for the HBSC Survey
Population School going children aged 9-18 years
Sampling Frame Department of Education and Science school lists
Sample Cluster sample of students in a given classroom
Stratification
Proportionate to the distribution of pupils across geographical
regions
Survey Instrument Self-completion questionnaire
Delivery/Reminders
Postal delivery via principals and teachers, letter and telephone
reminders
Return Freepost addressed envelopes provided
Response Rate 67% of invited schools / 85% of students
Obtained Sample 256 schools / 16,060 pupils
Data Quality Data were entered according to the HBSC international protocol
Ethics
Full ethical approval was granted by the National University of
Ireland, Galway Research Ethics Committee
Details of the demographic representativeness of the sample can be found in the Appendix.
The results section outlines children’s perceptions and behaviours relating to health. Data
are presented for HBSC and Middle Childhood studies seperately. Data are illustrated by
gender, age and social class (SC). Social class is represented by SC 1-2, SC 3-4 and SC 5-6
corresponding to high, middle and low social classes, respectively. The categories used
for social class are standard and were determined by parental occupation. Social class 1
represent professional occupations (i.e., solicitor, doctor), social class 2 represent managerial
occupations (i.e., nurse, teacher), social class 3 represent non-manual occupations (i.e., sales
person, office clerk), social class 4 represent skilled-manual occupations (i.e., hairdresser,
carpenter), social class 5 represent semi-skilled occupations (i.e., postman, driver), social class
6 represent unskilled occupations (i.e., cleaner, labourer).
Statistical analysis
Statistical analyses were carried out to determine if differences by gender, age group and
social class were statistically significant. Differences at p<0.05 are described in the report.

13
General Health
Children were asked a number of general questions concerning their lives and perceived health.
Excellent Health
Children were asked to rate their health as excellent, good, fair or poor. Overall, 33% of children
aged 10-17 report that they would say their health is excellent with a further 55% that it is good.
Figure 1: Percentages of boys who report their health is excellent
60
50
40
(%) 30
20
10
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
42
38
34
42
39
33
40
33 35 SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 200644
40
49
46
35
39 40
34 33
Figure 2: Percentages of girls who report their health is excellent
60
50
40
(%) 30
20
10
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
38
35
40
33
29
24 23
20
18
42
39
37
39
31 30
25
19 18
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
There are statistically significant differences by gender, age group and social class. Overall,
38% of boys report excellent health compared to 27% of girls. Younger children are
significantly more likely to report excellent health compared to older children and children
from higher social class groups are more likely to report excellent health than those from

14
other social class groups. The proportion of children who report that their health is excellent
remains unchanged from 2006 (33% in 2006).
Excellent Health – Middle Childhood Study
Overall, 49% of 3rd
and 4th
class children report that they would say their health is excellent.
There are no statistically significant gender or social class differences. The proportion of
children that report excellent health remains stable from 2006 (47% in 2006).
Figure 3: Percentages of 9 year old boys and girls who report their health is excellent
60
50
40
(%) 30
20
10
0
SC1-2 2006
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2006
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2006
SC5-6 2010
Boys Girls
Gender
46
50
40
47 48
42
45 47 46
49
52
49
The Irish Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) Study 2010

15
Life at present (happiness)
Children were asked to report how they feel about their life at present. Overall, 50% of
children report feeling very happy with their lives at present with a further 41% reporting
feeling quite happy.
Figure 4: Percentages of boys who report feeling very happy about their lives at present
80
(%) 40
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
70
60
50
30
20
10
62
65
59
54 55 54
46 45 46
64
67 68
55 55 57
44 46
40
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
Figure 5: Percentages of girls who report feeling very happy about their lives at present
80
(%) 40
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
70
60
50
30
20
10
64 66
68
55
49 51
44
36 35
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
68 67 66
52
55 53
36
32
39
There are statistically significant differences by gender and age group. Overall, 52% of boys
compared to 49% of girls report feeling very happy with their lives and younger children are
more likely to report feeling very happy with their lives than older children. There are no
statistically significant differences across social class groups. The proportion of children who
report feeling very happy with their lives remains unchanged from 2006 (50% in 2006).
General Health

16
Life at present (happiness) – Middle Childhood Study
Overall, 70% of 3rd
and 4th
class children report feeling very happy with their lives at present.
There are no statistically significant differences by gender or social class. The proportion of
children who report feeling very happy with their lives remains stable from 2006 (72% in
2006).
Figure 6: Percentages of 9 year old boys and girls who report feeling very happy about
their lives at present
80
(%) 40
0
70
60
50
30
20
10
SC1-2 2006
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2006
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2006
SC5-6 2010
Boys Girls
Gender
68
71 69 67
70 71
67
77 76
73 71 71

17
Life satisfaction
Children were asked to report where they feel they stand at the moment on a scale from 0 to
10. Overall, 76% of children report high life satisfaction (rank 7 or higher on the scale).
Figure 7: Percentages of boys who report high life satisfaction
100
(%) 50
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
90
80
70
60
40
30
20
10
87 85
81 84 82
79
75 73
67
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
86 87
91
84 81 82
78
75
70
Figure 8: Percentages of girls who report high life satisfaction
100
(%) 50
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
90
80
70
60
40
30
20
10
86 86
89
81
74 73 71
67
60 SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
89 86
91
79 79 78
69
62
67
Statistically significant gender differences are apparent with fewer girls (74%) than boys
(79%) reporting high life satisfaction. There are also statistically significant differences
across age groups with younger children more likely to report high life satisfaction than older
children, and across social class groups, with those from lower social class groups less likely
to report high life satisfaction than those from other social class groups. The proportion of
children who report high life satisfaction remains stable from 2006 (77% in 2006).
General Health

18
The Irish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) Study 2010The Irish Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) Study 2010

19
Smoking
Children were asked about two aspects of smoking tobacco: having ever smoked and current
smoking behaviour, which was defined as smoking tobacco monthly or more frequently.
Ever smoked tobacco
Overall, 27% of children report that they have ever smoked tobacco, with statistically
significant differences across age groups. There are statistically significant gender differences,
with more boys (27%) than girls (26%) reporting having ever smoked tobacco. There are also
statistically significant differences across social class groups; those from the lower social class
groups are more likely to report having ever smoked tobacco compared to other social class
groups. There is an overall decrease in the proportion of children who report that they have
ever smoked tobacco from 2006 (36% in 2006).
Figure 9: Percentages of boys who report ever smoking tobacco
70
(%)
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
60
50
40
30
20
10
2
6
10
15
18
23
43
48
43
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
13
9 9
27
30 30
52
48 48
Figure 10: Percentages of girls who report ever smoking tobacco
70
(%)
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
60
50
40
30
20
10
2 3
7
13
17
21
43
46
52
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
5 7 9
24
28 29
54
59 57

20
Ever smoked tobacco – Middle Childhood Study
Overall, 3% of 3rd
and 4th
class children report that they have ever smoked tobacco. There are
statistically significant gender differences with 5% of boys compared to 2% of girls reporting
that they have ever smoked tobacco. The proportion of 3rd
and 4th
class children who report
that they have ever smoked tobacco is similar to 2006 (4% in 2006).
Figure 11: Percentages of 9 year old boys and girls who report ever smoking tobacco
70
(%)
0
60
50
40
30
20
10
SC1-2 2006
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2006
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2006
SC5-6 2010
4 3 4 6
3 4
1 1 3 1 2 3
Boys Girls
Gender

21
Current smoking status
Overall, 12% of children report that they are current smokers. Smoking is more prevalent
among older than younger children and this difference is statistically significant. Overall,
there are statistically significant differences across social class groups in current smoking
status, with children from higher social class groups less likely to report current smoking
behaviour. There are no statistically significant differences by gender. There is an overall
decrease in the proportion of children who report that they are current smokers from 2006
(15% in 2006).
Figure 12: Percentages of boys who report that they are current smokers
40
(%) 20
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
30
10
1
5
6 7 7
16
22
19
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
1
5
3
8
10 10
18
22 23
1
Figure 13: Percentages of girls who report that they are current smokers
40
(%) 20
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
30
10
2 1 2
5
8
6
19
23
25
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
1 2 1
10 11
13
24
30
28
Smoking

22
Current smoking status – Middle Childhood Study
Overall, 1% of 3rd
and 4th
class children report that they are current smokers. There are
statistically significant gender differences with 2% of boys and 1% of girls reporting that they
are current smokers. There are no statistically significant social class differences. Overall,
the proportion of 3rd
and 4th
class students who report that they are current smokers remains
stable from 2006 (1% in 2006).
Figure 14: Percentages of 9 year old boys and girls who report that they are current
smokers
40
(%) 20
0
30
10
SC1-2 2006
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2006
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2006
SC5-6 2010
Boys Girls
Gender
1 1 2 3 2 2
0 1 1 0 1 1

23
Alcohol
Never drinking
Overall, 54% of children report that they have never had an alcoholic drink. There are
statistically significant differences by gender and age group. Girls are more likely than boys
to report never drinking (57% and 52% respectively), and younger children are more likely to
report never drinking than older children. Social class differences are not evident. There is an
overall increase in the proportion of children who report that they have never had an alcoholic
drink from 2006 (47% in 2006).
Figure 15: Percentages of boys who report never having had an alcoholic drink
100
(%) 50
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
90
80
70
60
40
30
20
10
79 79 81
63 63 61
31 30 33
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
67 67 70
53 52 54
28 25 23
Figure 16: Percentages of girls who report never having had an alcoholic drink
100
(%) 50
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
90
80
70
60
40
30
20
10
88 91 89
71 72
65
29 27 25
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
89 88
84
65 62 61
28
20
26

24
Had an alcoholic drink in the past month
Current drinkers are defined as those who report having had an alcoholic drink in the past
month. Overall, 21% of children report having had an alcoholic drink in the past month.
Figure 17: Percentages of boys who report having had an alcoholic drink in the last month
60
50
40
(%) 30
20
10
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
1 2
4
10 10 11
39
42
39
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
3 5
2
16 15 14
46
48 49
Figure 18: Percentages of girls who report having had an alcoholic drink in the last month
60
50
40
(%) 30
20
10
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
0 1 0
8 9
11
38
41 40
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
1 2 1
12 13 11
44
51
45
There are statistically significant gender differences with 22% of boys and 19% of girls who
report they are current drinkers. Older children are significantly more likely to report having
had an alcoholic drink in the past month, with 2% of 10-11 years olds and 40% of 15-17 year
olds reporting this behaviour. There are no statistically significant differences across social
class groups. Overall, there is a decrease in the proportion of children who report having had
an alcoholic drink in the past month from 2006 (26% in 2006).

25
Drunkenness
In addition to alcohol consumption, children were asked if they had ever had so much alcohol
that they were ‘really drunk’. Overall, 28% of children report having been ‘really drunk’.
Figure 19: Percentages of boys who report having been ‘really drunk’
70
(%)
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
60
50
40
30
20
10 5 4
6
14
18 19
49
55 53
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
5 7 5
17
22 21
53
58 56
Figure 20: Percentages of girls who report having been ‘really drunk’
70
(%)
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
60
50
40
30
20
10
3 2 2
12 14
20
47
53 55
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
1 2
0
15 17 15
51
60
55
There are statistically significant gender, age group and social class differences. More boys
(29%) than girls (26%) report having been ‘really drunk’ and reports of drunkenness are
higher among older children: 4% of 10-11 year olds, 16% of 12-14 year olds and 52% of 15-
17 year olds. Children from lower social class groups are more likely to report having been
‘really drunk’ than those from other social class groups. There is an overall decrease in the
proportion of children who report having been ‘really drunk’ from 2006 (32% in 2006).
Alcohol

26
Been drunk in the last 30 days
Children were also asked if they have been drunk in the last 30 days. Overall, 18% of
children report that they have been drunk in the last 30 days with statistically significant
gender differences: 19% of boys and 17% of girls overall reporting this behaviour. There are
also statistically significant differences across age groups but not across social class groups.
Overall, the proportion of children who report having been drunk in the last 30 days remains
stable from 2006 (20% in 2006).
Figure 21: Percentages of boys who report having been drunk in the last 30 days
50
(%)
0
40
30
20
10
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
2 3 3
7
9 10
34
40
33
1
3 2
8
10 11
36 37 37
Figure 22: Percentages of girls who report having been drunk in the last 30 days
50
(%)
0
40
30
20
10
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
0 1 1
7 7
10
33
38 40
1 1 0
7
10
12
34
41
36

27
Drug Use
Cannabis in the last 12 months
Overall, 8% of children report using cannabis in the last 12 months, with statistically
significant gender and age group differences. More boys than girls report using cannabis
in the last 12 months (10% vs. 6%). Additionally, older children are more likely to report
cannabis use in the last 12 months: 1% of 10-11 year olds vs. 17% of 15-17 year olds. There are
no statistically significant differences across social class groups. Overall, there is a decrease in
the proportion of children who report using cannabis in the last 12 months from 2006 (16%
in 2006).
Figure 23: Percentages of boys reporting cannabis use in the last 12 months
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
30
20
(%)
10
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
0 0 01
2
0
4 4
5
6
8 7
17
21
17
22
24 24
Figure 24: Percentages of girls reporting cannabis use in the last 12 months
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
30
20
(%)
10
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
0 0 11 0 0
2 2
3
4
6
5
11
12
1817
22
20

28
Cannabis use in the last 30 days
Children were asked to report on using cannabis in the last 30 days. Overall, 5% of children
aged 10-17 report using cannabis in the last 30 days. There are statistically significant gender
and age group differences. More boys (7%) than girls (3%) and older children compared to
younger children are more likely to report using cannabis in the last 30 days. There are no
statistically significant differences across social class groups. Overall, there is a decrease in the
proportion of children who report cannabis use in the last 30 days from 2006 (7% in 2006).
Figure 25: Percentages of boys reporting cannabis use in the last 30 days
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
20
(%) 10
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
0 0
11
2
0
2
3 33
4
5
10
13
9
10
13
15
Figure 26: Percentages of girls reporting cannabis use in the last 30 days
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
20
(%) 10
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
0 0
11
0 0
1 1
2
3 3
2
6 6
88
11
10

29
Fruit
Overall, 20% of children report that they consume fruit more than once a day. There
are statistically significant differences by gender, age group and social class. A higher
proportion of girls report eating fruit more than once a day compared to boys (22% and 18%
respectively). Younger children (24% of 10-11; 20% of 12-14; 19% of 15-17) and those from
higher social classes are more likely to report eating fruit more than once a day compared to
older children and those from other social classes, respectively. The proportion of children
who report eating fruit more than once a day remains stable from 2006 (19% in 2006).
Figure 27: Percentages of boys who report eating fruit more than once a day
40
(%) 20
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
30
10
22
14
22
15
13
19
16
18
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
17
21
17 18
16 16
19
12
15
23
Figure 28: Percentages of girls who report eating fruit more than once a day
40
(%) 20
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
30
10
26
24 25
20
16
26
21
16
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
38
23
29
25
18
22
25
23
19
30

30
Fruit – Middle Childhood Study
Overall, 30% of 3rd
and 4th
class children report that they eat fruit more than once a day. There
are no gender differences but there are statistically significant differences across social class
groups. The proportion of children that report eating fruit more than once a day remains
unchanged from 2006 (30% in 2006).
Figure 29: Percentages of 9 year old boys and girls who report eating fruit more than
once a day
40
(%) 20
0
30
10
SC1-2 2006
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2006
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2006
SC5-6 2010
Boys Girls
Gender
27
30
24
35
23
25
32 31
33 34
29 29

31
Vegetables
Overall, 20% of children report eating vegetables more than once a day. Statistically
significant gender differences are evident with fewer boys (19%) than girls (22%) reporting
eating vegetables more than once a day. There are also statistically significant differences
across age and social class groups with younger children and those from higher social classes
more likely to report eating vegetables more than once a day than older children and those
from other social class groups, respectively. There is an increase in the proportion of children
that report eating vegetables more than once a day from 2006 (18% in 2006).
Figure 30: Percentages of boys who report eating vegetables more than once a day
40
(%) 20
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
30
10
19
17
25
18
15
19
17
19
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
13
19
11
19
14 15 16 16
12
21
Figure 31: Percentages of girls who report eating vegetables more than once a day
40
(%) 20
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
30
10
20
24
26
22
15
23
19
21
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
26
19
24
23
19 18
26
19
17
26

32
Vegetables – Middle Childhood Study
Overall, 26% of children in 3rd
and 4th
class report eating vegetables more than once a
day. Gender differences are statistically significant, with girls more likely to report eating
vegetables more than once a day then boys (29% and 23% respectively). There are no
significant social class differences. There is an increase in the proportion of children who
report eating vegetables more than once a day from 2006 (21% in 2006).
Figure 32: Percentages of 9 year old boys and girls who report eating vegetables more
than once a day
40
(%) 20
0
30
10
SC1-2 2006
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2006
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2006
SC5-6 2010
Boys Girls
Gender
21
23
19
27
21
19
24 25
23
28
31 31

33
Sweets
Children were asked to report on frequency of consuming sweets. Overall, 37% of children
report eating sweets once a day or more. There are statistically significant differences by
gender, age group and social class. Overall, 39% of girls report eating sweets once a day or
more compared to 34% of boys. Older children and children from lower social class groups
are significantly more likely to report eating sweets once a day or more compared to younger
children and those from other social class groups, respectively. There is an overall decrease in
the proportion of children who report eating sweets once a day or more from 2006 (39% in
2006).
Figure 33: Percentages of boys who report eating sweets daily or more
60
50
40
(%) 30
20
10
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
30
32
40
37
41
45
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
25
28
25
33
37
34
39
43
45
24
26
37
Figure 34: Percentages of girls who report eating sweets daily or more
60
50
40
(%) 30
20
10
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
34
42 42 41
45
39
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
25
34 35
38
44 45
39
45 44
30
35 34

34
Sweets – Middle Childhood Study
Overall, 28% of 3rd
and 4th
class children report eating sweets once a day or more. There are no
statistically significant differences by gender or social class. The proprotion that report eating
sweets once a day or more remains unchanged from 2006 (28% in 2006).
Figure 35: Percentages of 9 year old boys and girls who report eating sweets daily or
more
60
50
40
(%) 30
20
10
0
SC1-2 2006
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2006
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2006
SC5-6 2010
Boys Girls
Gender
23
31
27 27
31
24 22
30
28
26
23
35

35
Soft Drinks
Overall, 21% of children report drinking soft drinks daily or more. There are statistically
significant differences by gender, age group and social class. Overall, 23% of boys report
drinking soft drinks daily or more compared to 19% of girls. Older children and those from
lower social class groups are also significantly more likely to report drinking soft drinks daily
or more. There is an overall decrease in the proportion of children who report drinking soft
drinks daily or more from 2006 (26% in 2006).
Figure 36: Percentages of boys who report drinking soft drinks daily or more
50
(%)
0
40
30
20
10
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
13
18 18
23
29
21
25
33
15
20
23
28
30 29
37 38
13
10
Figure 37: Percentages of girls who report drinking soft drinks daily or more
50
(%)
0
40
30
20
10
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
15
21
12
19
24
14
21
26
11
17 16
23
26
15
29
27
23
10

36
Soft drinks – Middle Childhood Study
Overall, 15% of 3rd
and 4th
class children report drinking soft drinks daily or more. Boys (18%)
are significantly more likely than girls (13%) to report drinking soft drinks daily or more.
There are no statistically significant differences across social class groups. Overall, there is a
decrease in the proportion of 3rd
and 4th
class children who report drinking soft drinks daily
or more from 2006 (18% in 2006).
Figure 38: Percentages of 9 year old boys and girls who report drinking soft drinks daily
or more
SC1-2 2006
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2006
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2006
SC5-6 2010
Boys Girls
Gender
12
19
21
17
20
12
9
17
22
10
12
15
50
(%)
0
40
30
20
10

37
Not having breakfast
Overall, 13% of children aged 10-17 report that they never have breakfast during weekdays.
There are statistically significant differences by gender, age group and social class. Overall,
15% of girls report that they never have breakfast during weekdays compared to 11% of boys.
Older children and those from lower social class groups are significantly more likely to report
that they never have breakfast during weekdays compared to younger children and children
from other social class groups, respectively. Overall, the proportion of children who report
that they never have breakfast during weekdays remains stable from 2006 (14% in 2006).
Figure 39: Percentages of boys who report not having breakfast on weekdays
40
(%) 20
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
30
10
6
8 8
10
14
11
14 15
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
4
6
3
8 9 10 11
16
18
5
Figure 40: Percentages of girls who report not having breakfast on weekdays
40
(%) 20
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
30
10
5
7
11
16 17
15
24 23 SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
5
8
16
12
17 16 16
28
25
5

38
Not having breakfast – Middle Childhood Study
Overall, 2% of 3rd and 4th class children report not having breakfast on any day of the week.
There are no statistically significant differences by gender or social class. The proportion of
children who report not having breakfast on any day of the week remains unchanged from
2006 (2% in 2006).
Figure 41: Percentages of 9 year old boys and girls who report not having breakfast
during the week or the weekend
40
(%) 20
0
30
10
SC1-2 2006
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2006
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2006
SC5-6 2010
Boys Girls
Gender
2 3 2 2 3 2 1
3 2 2 2 2

39
Going to school/bed hungry
Children were asked to report how often they go to school or to bed hungry because there
was not enough food at home. Overall, 21% of children report ever going to school or to bed
hungry. There are statistically significant differences by gender, age group and social class.
Overall, 22% of boys report ever going to school or bed hungry compared to 19% of girls.
Younger children and children from lower social class groups are significantly more likely to
report ever going to school or to bed hungry than older children and those from other social
class groups, respectively. There is an overall increase in the proportion of children who report
ever going to school or bed hungry from 2006 (17% in 2006).
Figure 42: Percentages of boys who report ever going to school/bed hungry
40
(%) 20
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
30
10
27 27
20
22
24
19 18
24 SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
23 23
16
13
19
17
15
18
16
28
Figure 43: Percentages of girls who report ever going to school/bed hungry
40
(%) 20
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
30
10
22
20
18 19 20
15
18
23 SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
14 13
19
12
15 14 15
17 18
30

40
Dieting
Children were asked if they were currently trying to lose weight or if they needed to lose
weight (but were not currently on such a diet). Overall, 13% report trying to lose weight and
an additional 19% report that they needed to lose weight. There are statistically significant
differences by gender and age group. Overall, 17% of girls report trying to lose weight
compared to 10% of boys, and older children are more likely to report trying to lose weight
compared to younger children. There are no statistically significant differences across social
class groups. Overall, the proportion of children who report currently trying to lose weight
remains stable from 2006 (12% in 2006).
Figure 44: Percentages of boys who report currently trying to lose weight
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
30
20
(%)
10
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
8
11
5
6
10
8 9
11
9
7
10 10
9
10
77
10
9
Figure 45: Percentages of girls who report currently trying to lose weight
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
30
20
(%)
10
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
12
11
6
4
9
12 13
16
18
13
12
16
21
23
24
22
20
16

41
Exercise and Physical Activity
Children were asked about their participation in exercise in their free time. They were
asked the frequency with which they exercised so much that they get out of breath or sweat.
Presented here are data illustrating the percentages reporting that they exercise in such a way
four or more times a week and those reporting that they exercise less than weekly.
Vigorous exercise ≥ 4 times/week
Overall, 51% of children report exercising four or more times a week. There are statistically
significant differences by gender and age group. Overall, 60% of boys report exercising four or
more times a week compared to 40% of girls. Younger children are significantly more likely to
report exercising four or more times a week compared to older children (62% of 10-11; 54%
of 12-14; 41% of 15-17). There are no statistically significant differences across social class
groups. Overall, the proportion of children who report exercising four or more times a week
remains stable from 2006 (53% in 2006).
Figure46: Percentagesofboyswhoreportparticipatinginvigorousexercisefourormore
timesperweek
80
(%) 40
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
70
60
50
30
20
10
64
67 68 67 65
59
55
51
58
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
68
74 73 71
65
69
55 55 56
Figure47: Percentagesofgirlswhoreportparticipatinginvigorousexercisefourormore
timesperweek
80
(%) 40
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
70
60
50
30
20
10
60
56
64
45 44
38
31
27 28
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 200661
56 57
50 51 53
29 27 27

42
Vigorous exercise ≥ 4 times/week – Middle Childhood Study
Overall, 70% of 3rd
and 4th
class children report exercising four or more times a week, with
statistically significant gender differences (72% of boys and 67% of girls). There are no
report exercising four or more times a week remains stable from 2006 (72% in 2006).
Figure 48: Percentages of 9 year old boys and girls who report participating in vigorous
exercise four or more times per week
80
(%) 40
0
70
60
50
30
20
10
SC1-2 2006
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2006
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2006
SC5-6 2010
Boys Girls
Gender
76 74 74 73 74
69 69 70 71 72
65 66

43
Physical inactivity
Overall, 9% of children report participating in vigorous exercise less than weekly. There are
statistically significant differences by gender, age group and social class. Overall 6% of boys
report participating in vigorous exercise less than weekly compared to 13% of girls. Older
children and children from lower social class groups are more likely to report participating in
vigorous exercise less than weekly compared to younger children and those from other social
class groups, respectively. The proportion of children who report being inactive remains
stable from 2006 (10% in 2006).
Figure 49: Percentages of boys who report participating in vigorous exercise less than
weekly
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
30
20
(%)
10
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
4
5
3
9
6 6
4 4
55
4 4
6
9
8
7
9
11
Figure 50: Percentages of girls who report participating in vigorous exercise less than
weekly
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
30
20
(%)
10
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
5
6
9
7
8
9
8
9
13
8
9
7
13
22 22
19
22
26

44
Physical inactivity - Middle Childhood Study
Overall, 7% of 3rd
and 4th
class children report participating in vigorous exercise less than
weekly with no statistically significant gender differences. Children from lower social class
groups are significantly more likely to report inactivity than those from other social class
groups. The proportion of children who report inactivity remains stable from 2006 (8% in
2006).
Figure 51: Percentages of 9 year old boys and girls who report participating in vigorous
exercise less than weekly
30
20
(%)
10
0
SC1-2 2006
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2006
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2006
SC5-6 2010
Boys Girls
Gender
6 6 7 6 6
11
3
5 5
3
7
9

45
Physically active on 7 days in the last week
Overall, 25% of children report being physically active on 7 days in the last week. There are
statistically significant differences by gender, age group and social class. Overall, 31% of boys
report being physically active on 7 days in the last week compared to 18% of girls. Younger
children are more likely to report being physically active on seven days in the last week
compared to older children. Overall, the proportion of children who report being physically
active on 7 days in the last week remains stable from 2006 (27% in 2006).
Figure 52: Percentages of boys who report being physically active on 7 days in the last week
70
(%)
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
60
50
40
30
20
10
41
44
38
31
34 34
24 23
20
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
44
53
50
39 38 37
22 22 24
Figure 53: Percentages of girls who report being physically active on 7 days in the last week
70
(%)
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
60
50
40
30
20
10
30 29
37
18
20 21
9 9
13
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
35 36
41
23 22 23
9 9 10

46

47
Self-care
Tooth-brushing
Children were asked to report how often they brush their teeth. Overall, 67% of children
report brushing their teeth more than once a day, with a further 27% brushing their teeth
once a day. There are statistically significant differences by gender and social class. Overall,
77% of girls compared to 59% of boys, and children in higher social class groups compared to
other social class groups, are more likely to report brushing their teeth more than once a day.
There are no statistically significant differences across age groups. The proportion of children
who report brushing their teeth more than once a day remains stable from 2006 (63% in
2006).
Figure 54: Percentages of boys who report brushing their teeth more than once a day
100
(%) 50
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
90
80
70
60
40
30
20
10
60
69 70
60 60
54
61
58
52
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
63
56
52
55
50
54 57 55 53
Figure 55: Percentages of girls who report brushing their teeth more than once a day
100
(%) 50
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
90
80
70
60
40
30
20
10
73 72
68
77 77
73
80 80
76
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 200675
66 64
73
68
72
78 79
74

48
Tooth-brushing – Middle Childhood Study
Overall, 66% of 3rd
and 4th
class children report brushing their teeth more than once a day.
There are statistically significant differences by gender with 69% of girls compared to 63% of
boys who report that they brush their teeth more than once a day. There are no statistically
significant differences across social class groups. The proportion of children who report
brushing their teeth more than once a day remains stable from 2006 (64% in 2006).
Figure 56: Percentages of 9 year old boys and girls who report brushing their teeth more
than once a day
100
(%) 50
0
90
80
70
60
40
30
20
10
SC1-2 2006
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2006
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2006
SC5-6 2010
Boys Girls
Gender
61 59
56
63 63 65
70 69
66 68
72
66

49
Seatbelt use
Children were asked to report how often they use a seatbelt when in a car. Overall, 81% of
children report always wearing a seatbelt when in a car. There are statistically significant
differences by gender and age group. Overall, 84% of girls compared to 79% of boys report
always wearing a seatbelt when in a car and younger children are more likely to report this
behaviour compared to older children. There are no statistically significant differences across
social class groups. Overall, the proportion of children who report always wearing a seatbelt
when in a car remains stable from 2006 (79% in 2006).
Figure 57: Percentages of boys who report always wearing a seatbelt
100
(%) 50
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
90
80
70
60
40
30
20
10
80
86
77 78 78 77
80 80 79
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 200676
88 90
76 78 75 76 76 74
Figure 58: Percentages of girls who report always wearing a seatbelt
100
(%) 50
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
90
80
70
60
40
30
20
10
88
92
87 84 84
80
84 84 84
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
89 88 90
81 82 84
81 83 83
Self Care

50
Seatbelt use – Middle Childhood Study
Overall, 87% of 3rd
and 4th
class children report always wearing a seatbelt when in a car.
There are statistically significant differences by gender with 90% of girls compared to 85% of
boys who report always wearing a seatbelt when in a car. There are no statistically significant
differences across social class groups. Overall, the proportion of children who report always
wearing a seatbelt when in a car remains stable from 2006 (88% in 2006).
Figure 59: Percentages of 9 year old boys and girls who report always wearing a seatbelt
100
(%) 50
0
90
80
70
60
40
30
20
10
SC1-2 2006
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2006
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2006
SC5-6 2010
Boys Girls
Gender
86 87 85 85 87
82
89 91 89 91 89 90

51
Injuries
Ever injured
Overall, 37% of children report being injured once or more in the last 12 months, and
requiring medical attention. There are statistically significant differences by gender and age
group. Overall, boys and older children, compared to girls and younger children respectively,
are more likely to report ever being injured. There are no statistically significant differences
across social class groups. There is an overall decrease in the proportion of children who
report being injured from 2006 (43% in 2006).
Figure 60: Percentages of boys who report ever being injured in the last 12 months
60
50
40
(%) 30
20
10
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
43
45
40
46
48
45
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
38
45 47
52 52 52 51
53
50
38
45 45
Figure 61: Percentages of girls who report ever being injured in the last 12 months
60
50
40
(%) 30
20
10
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
30 32
29 28
30 30
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
31 30
37
34
36 37
33 32
28
25 25 24

52
Loss of activity due to injury
Children were further asked to report on how many days of activity they lost as a consequence
of their most severe injury, in the past year. Of those reporting an injury, 57% report that
they missed 3 or more days of usual activity due to injury. There are statistically significant
differences by gender and age group. Overall, 58% of boys compared to 50% of girls report
that they missed 3 or more days of activity due to injury and older children are significantly
more likely to report missing 3 or more days compared to younger children. There are no
lost 3 or more days of activity due to injury remains stable from 2006 (56%).
Figure 62: Percentages of boys who report that they have missed 3 or more days of usual
activities due to injury in the last year
80
(%) 40
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
70
60
50
30
20
10
53
57 55
59 57 55
62 63
67
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
46
54
44
58 56 58 56
61
64
Figure 63: Percentages of girls who report that they have missed 3 or more days of usual
activities due to injury in the last year
80
(%) 40
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
70
60
50
30
20
10
53
49
43
48 47 45
60 60
52
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
33
42 44
52
49 48
57
61
47

53
Physical Fighting and Bullying
Physical fight
Children were asked if they had been in a physical fight in the last 12 months. Overall, 35% of
children report having been in a physical fight during the last 12 months. Gender and social
class differences are statistically significant. Overall, boys (48%) compared to girls (20%),
and children from lower social classes compared to other social class groups, are significantly
more likely to report fighting. There are no statistically significant differences across age
groups. Overall, the proportion of children who report being in a physical fight remains stable
from 2006 (38% in 2006).
Figure 64: Percentages of boys who report ever being in a physical fight in the last 12
months
70
(%)
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
60
50
40
30
20
10
49 48 47 49 47 49
44 44
52
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 200651 51
36
54 56 56
42
48
53
Figure 65: Percentages of girls who report ever being in a physical fight in the last 12
months
70
(%)
0
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
60
50
40
30
20
10
13
17 15 17
22 20
18
24
21
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
17
21
24
20
26 26
21
26 27

54
Being bullied
Children were asked to report how often they have been bullied in school in the past couple of
months. Overall, 24% of children report ever being bullied. There are statistically significant
differences by gender and age group. Overall, 26% of boys report ever being bullied compared
to 23% of girls and younger children are more likely to report ever being bullied compared
to older children. There are no statistically significant social class differences. Overall, the
proportion of children who report ever being bullied remains unchanged from 2006 (24% in
2006).
Figure 66: Percentages of boys who report ever being bullied in the past couple of
months
50
(%)
0
40
30
20
10
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
28
32
27
25 26
24
22
2829 30 31
27
30
22 21
23
21
23
Figure 67: Percentages of girls who report ever being bullied in the past couple of
months
50
(%)
0
40
30
20
10
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
30
23 23 24
27
16
18
22
29
31
25
22
24
21
19 18
28
33

55
Being bullied – Middle Childhood Study
Overall, 37% of 3rd
and 4th
class children report ever being bullied in school in the past couple
of months. There are no statistically significant differences across gender and social class
groups. The proportion of children who report ever being bullied remains unchanged from
2006 (37% in 2006).
Figure 68: Percentages of 9 year old boys and girls who report ever being bullied in the
past couple of months
SC1-2 2006
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2006
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2006
SC5-6 2010
Boys Girls
Gender
38 38
40
33
36
32
37
35 36
40
38
35
50
(%)
0
40
30
20
10
Physical Fighting and Bullying

56
Bullied others
Children were also asked to report how often they took part in bullying another student at
school in the past couple of months. Overall, 17% of children report ever bullying others at
school. Gender and age group differences are statistically significant with more boys than girls
reporting that they have bullied others (22% and 10% respectively) and older children more
likely to report bullying others than younger children. There are no statistically significant
differences across social class groups. There is a decrease in the proportion of children who
report bullying others from 2006 (22% in 2006).
Figure 69: Percentages of boys who report ever bullying others in the past couple of months
50
(%)
0
40
30
20
10
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
15
21 21 21 20
24 23
25
27
21
29 29 29 30
32
35
15 15
Figure 70: Percentages of girls who report ever bullying others in the past couple of months
50
(%)
0
40
30
20
10
10-11 12-14 15-17
Age Group (Years)
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
9 9
11 10 9 8
10 9
11
15
12
16 15
12
14
1112
10

57
Sexual Health Behaviours
Children aged 15-17 years old were asked several questions about their sexual health
behaviours. They were asked about engaging in sexual intercourse and use of the birth control
pill and condoms as methods of contraception at last intercourse.
Sexual Activity
Overall, 27% of 15-17 year olds report that they have ever had sex. There are statistically
significant differences by gender and social class. Overall, boys are more likely than girls to
report ever having sex (31% and 23% respectively), as are those from lower social class groups.
Figure 71: Percentages of 15–17 year olds who report having ever had sex, by gender
40
(%) 20
0
30
10
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
Boys Girls
Gender
25
32
30
18
26
28

58
Use of birth control pill
Of those who report ever having had sex, 59% report that they used the birth control pill as a
form of contraceptive at last intercourse. Gender differences are statistically significant with
girls more likely to report using the birth control pill as a form of contraceptive than boys.
There are no statistically significant differences across social class groups.
Figure 72: Percentages of 15–17 year olds who report using the birth control pill, by
gender (of those who have ever had sex).
100
(%) 50
0
90
80
70
60
40
30
20
10
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
Boys Girls
Gender
57
51
39
68
61
72
Condom use
Ofthosewhoreporteverhavinghadsex,93%reportthattheyusedcondomsasaformofcontraceptive
atlastintercourse.Therearenostatisticallysignificantdifferencesbygenderorsocialclass.
Figure 73: 15–17 year olds who report using condoms, by gender (of those who have ever
had sex)
100
(%) 50
0
90
80
70
60
40
30
20
10
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
Boys Girls
Gender
94 92
97 98
94 93

59
Appendix
Demographic Representativeness of Respondents: HBSC 2010 Survey
The gender breakdown of the HBSC 2010 participants revealed that 51% were male and 49%
were female. Those who participated were compared to data from the 2006 census for region
and social class. Table 2 presents the final numbers for each geographical region and the
percentage of the total sample that this represents. The sixth column presents the percentages
of 7-11 year olds recorded in the regions during the 2006 census. The data are representative
of the population distribution across regions with slight variations from the 2006 census.
Table 2: Comparison of the location of 2006 and 2002 HBSC respondents to the 2006
census
n % %
Health Board
Area
HBSC 2006 HBSC 2010 HBSC 2006 HBSC 2010 Census 2006
East 3055 3869 30 32 33
North East 633 753 6 6 10
South East 1646 919 16 8 12
North West 704 665 7 6 6
South 1450 2760 14 23 15
Mid West 914 1155 9 10 9
West 1427 947 14 8 10
Midlands 395 1132 4 9 7
In addition social class was compared with those presented in the 2006 census, as shown in
Table 3. It should be noted that slight variations would be expected here because the census
reports all persons by social class, not all of whom would be parents or guardians of children
in these age groups.
Table 3: Comparison of the social class of 2006 and 2010 HBSC respondents to the
2006 census
Social Class HBSC 2006 (%) HBSC 2010 (%) Census 2006 (%)
Professional 4 7 7
Managerial 23 30 26
Non-manual 8 13 17
Skilled manual 29 21 17
Semi-skilled 11 10 11
Unskilled 5 2 4
Unclassifiable - 1 -
Unknown 20 16 18

60
Table 4 below presents the percentages of HBSC respondents across gender, age group and
social class.
Table 4: Distribution of 2006 and 2010 HBSC respondents by gender, age group and
social class
SC 1-2 (%) SC 3-4 (%) SC 5-6 (%) n
HBSC
2006
HBSC
2010
HBSC
2006
HBSC
2010
HBSC
2006
HBSC
2010
HBSC
2006
HBSC
2010
BOYS
10-11
years
26 41 53 44 21 15 498 644
12-14
years
33 41 47 44 20 14 2184 2557
15-17
years
36 46 43 40 20 14 1801 1953
GIRLS
10-11
years
24 39 51 46 26 15 713 687
12-14
years
31 43 47 43 23 15 2064 2464
15-17
years
37 48 43 37 21 15 1665 1832
Middle Childhood Study
Table 5: Comparison of the location of 2006 and 2010 HBSC respondents to the 2006
census
n % %
Health Board
Area
Middle
Childhood
Survey 2006
Middle
Childhood
Survey 2010
Middle
Childhood
Survey 2006
Middle
Childhood
Survey 2010
Census 2006
East 1313 974 39 39 33
North East 189 154 6 6 10
South East 542 160 16 6 11
North West 136 166 4 7 6
South 470 419 14 17 14
Mid West 225 163 7 7 9
West 363 177 11 7 9
Midlands 116 261 4 11 7

61
Table 6: Comparison of the social class of 2006 and 2010 HBSC respondents to the
2006 census
Social Class HBSC 2006 (%) HBSC 2010 (%) Census 2006 (%)
Professional 6 6 7
Managerial 20 23 26
Non-manual 14 13.5 17
Skilled manual 21 20 17
Semi-skilled 21 14.5 11
Unskilled 4 2 4
Unclassifiable 2.5
Unknown 14 18 18
Table 7: Distribution of 2006 and 2010 HBSC respondents by gender and social class
SC 1-2 (%) SC 3-4 (%) SC 5-6 (%) n
HBSC
2006
HBSC
2010
HBSC
2006
HBSC
2010
HBSC
2006
HBSC
2010
HBSC
2006
HBSC
2010
BOYS
9 year
olds
32 36 39 44 29 20 1490 921
GIRLS
9 year
olds
27 37 43 40 30 23 1435 1035
Appendix

62
Project Team
Health Promotion Research Centre, National University of Ireland,
Galway
Dr Saoirse Nic Gabhainn Principal Investigator, HBSC Ireland
Dr Michal Molcho Deputy Principal Investigator, HBSC Ireland
Dr Colette Kelly Project Manager/Senior Researcher, HBSC Ireland
Ms Aoife Gavin Researcher
Ms Natasha Clarke Researcher
Ms Katie Murphy Researcher
Dr Amanda Fitzgerald Researcher
Dr Siobhan O’Higgins Researcher
Ms Larri Walker Research Assistant
Ms Christina Costello Administrative Support
Dr Viv Batt Administrative Director
Advisory Committee
Mr Robbie Breen Department of Health
Ms Annemarie Brooks Department of Children and Youth Affairs
Mr Seán Denyer Health Service Executive
Dr John Devlin Department of Health
Dr Sinead Hanafin Department of Health / Children and Youth Affairs
Mr Hugh Magee Department of Health
Mr Liam McCormack Department of Health
Mr Shay McGovern Department of Health
Dr Brian Neeson Health Service Executive
Ms Ursula O’Dwyer Department of Health
Dr Stephanie O’Keefe Crisis Pregnancy Agency
Ms Biddy O’Neill Health Service Executive
Ms Claire O’Reilly Department of Health

63
Acknowledgements
The parents and children who consented and participated.
The Management Authorities, Principals and Teachers in all schools who participated.
International Co-ordinator: Prof Candace Currie, University of St. Andrews, Scotland.
International Databank Manager: Prof Oddrun Samdal, University of Bergen, Norway.
The Department of Health; The Department of Children and Youth Affairs; The Department
of Education and Science
We would also like to thank Gail Cummins, Emiliano Curetti, Priscilla Doyle, Marie
Galvin, Yetunde John-Akinola, Samantha Loughrey, Amy Magill, Peter Manley, Joe Mullen,
Christina Murphy, Geraldine Nolan, Brían O’Connor, Ronan O’Connor, Ailbhe Spillane,
Susan Spillane, Aisling Walsh and all other NUI Galway staff and services.
Data Entry: e-Celtic, Co. Dublin and Larri Walker.
Design and layout: Rob Smyth.

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