SUMMARY OF MAIN FINDINGS

Indicator

Measure

Description

Comparisons

Data Source

Year

Relationship with mothers

The percentage of children aged 9-17 who report that they find it easy to talk with their mother when something is really bothering them.

In 2006, 78.0% of children reported that they find it easy to talk with their mothers when something is really bothering them.

Using the ages of 11, 13 and 15 only to draw international comparisons with the 40 countries and regions that used this HBSC item, 79.5% of Irish children reported that they found it easy to talk with their mother when something was really bothering them. This is lower than the HBSC average of 81.5% and ranks Irish children 26th.

HBSC Survey

2006

Relationship with fathers

The percentage of children aged 9-17 who report that they find it easy to talk with their father when something is really bothering them.

In 2006, 59.8% of children reported that they find it easy to talk with their fathers when something is really bothering them.

Using the ages of 11, 13 and 15 only to draw international comparisons with the 40 countries and regions that used this HBSC item, 62.9% of Irish children reported that they found it easy to talk with their father when something was really bothering them. This is higher than the HBSC average of 61.7% and ranks Irish children 18th.

HBSC Survey

2006

Talking to parents

The percentage of children aged 15 who report that their parents spend time just talking with them more than once a week.

In 2006, 64.7% of children reported that their parents spend time just talking with them more than once a week.

Girls (73.4%) were more likely than boys (55.6%) to report that their parents spend time just talking with them more than once a week.

PISA Survey

2006

Parental involvement in schooling

The percentage of children aged 15 who report that their parents discuss with them how well they are doing at school more than once a week.

In 2006, 48% of children reported that their parents discuss with them how well they are doing at school more than once a week.

Girls (51.6%) were somewhat more likely than boys (44.1%) to report that their parents discussed their progress at school with them more than once a week.

PISA Survey

2006

Eating a main meal together

The percentage of children aged 15 who report that their parents eat a main meal with them around a table more than once a week.

In 2006, 74.5% of children reported that their parents eat a main meal with them around a table more than once a week.

Children from the highest (78.2%) and medium (75.2%) social class categories were most likely to report that their parents eat a main meal with them around a table more than once a week, compared to children from the lowest social class category (70.7%).

PISA Survey

2006

Friendships

The percentage of children aged 9-17 who report to have 3 or more friends of the same gender.

In 2006, 89.5% of children reported to have 3 or more friends of the same gender.

Using the ages of 11, 13 and 15 only to draw international comparisons with the 41 countries and regions that used this HBSC item, 86.4% of Irish children reported having 3 or more friends of the same gender. This is higher than the HBSC average of 79% and ranks Irish children 7th.

HBSC Survey

2006

Pets and animals

The percentage of children aged 9-17 who report having a pet of their own or a pet in their family.

In 2006, 73.8% of children reported having a pet of their own or a pet in their family.

Children in the Mid-West region are more likely (80.2%) to report having a pet of their own or a pet in their family, while children in the Dublin region are least likely (62.8%) to report this.

HBSC Survey

2006

Bullying

The percentage of children aged 9-17 who report to have been bullied at school.

In 2006, 24.5% of children reported to have been bullied at school in the last couple of months.

Using the ages of 11, 13 and 15 only to draw international comparisons with the 39 countries and regions that used this HBSC item, 25.9% of Irish children reported to have been bullied at school in the last couple of months. This is lower than the HBSC average of 32% and ranks Irish children 26th.

HBSC Survey

2006

Indicator

Measure

Description

Comparisons

Data Source

Year

Enrolment in early childhood care and education

The percentage of children under 13 in various early childhood care and education arrangements.

In 2005, the main type of childcare arrangement was by parent/guardian for pre-school children (59.7%) and primary school children (78.5%).

There has been no update of the Quarterly National Household Survey module since the previous State of the Nation's Children report (2006).

Quarterly National Household Survey (QHNS)

2005

Attendance at school

The percentage of children who are absent from school for 20 days or more in the school year.

In 2005, 10.0% of primary school students were absent for 20 days or more in the school year. The percentage of primary school students with this level of absenteeism was, on average, lower in rural schools (7.8%) than in urban schools (14.9%).

18.8% of post-primary school students were absent for 20 days or more in the school year. The percentage of post-primary students with this level of absenteeism was lowest in secondary schools (15.1%) and highest in vocational schools (24.9%).

There has been no update of the National Educational Welfare Board statistics since the previous State of the Nation's Children report (2006).

National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) statistics

2005

Transfer to second-level education

The percentage of children leaving national school, by destination.

In 2006, 95.5% of children leaving national school were known to have progressed to another form of schooling, either at first or second level.

Boys are more likely than girls to leave national school and not attend any other school.

Department of Education and Science statistics

2006

Reading literacy

The mean scores of children aged 15 based on the OECD-PISA Reading Literacy Scale.

In 2006, children in Ireland achieved a mean score of 517.3 on the Reading Literacy Scale. This was higher than the OECD country mean of 492. Girls in Ireland achieved a higher mean score (534.0) than boys (500.2).

Irish children ranked 5th out of 29 OECD countries that took part in the PISA Survey. Children in higher social classes achieved higher mean scores than children in lower social classes.

PISA Survey

2006

Mathematics

The mean scores of children aged 15 based on the OECD-PISA Mathematics Literacy Scale.

In 2006, children in Ireland achieved a mean score of 501.5 on the Mathematics Literacy Scale. This was similar to the OECD country mean of 498. Boys in Ireland achieved a higher mean score (507.3) than girls (495.8).

Irish children ranked 16th out of 30 OECD countries that took part in the PISA Survey. Children in higher social classes achieved higher mean scores than children in lower social classes.

PISA Survey

2006

Science

The mean scores of children aged 15 based on the OECD-PISA Combined Scientific Literacy Scale.

In 2006, children in Ireland achieved a mean score of 508.3 on the Scientific Literacy Scale. This was marginally higher than the OECD country mean of 500.

Irish children ranked 14th out of 30 OECD countries that took part in the PISA Survey. Children in higher social classes achieved higher mean scores than children in lower social classes.

PISA Survey

2006

Indicator

Measure

Description

Comparisons

Data Source

Year

Low birth weight

The percentage of babies born weighing less than 2,500 grams (live and still births).

In 2005, 5.3% of babies were born at low birth weight (weighing less than 2,500 grams).

On average, 7.3% of babies in the EU27 are born at low birth weight. This figure takes account of live births only. Using live births only, in 2005, 5.7% of Irish babies were born at low birth weight.

National Perinatal Reporting System (NPRS)

2005

Breastfeeding practice

The percentage of newborn babies who are (a) exclusively breastfed and (b) partially breastfed on discharge from hospital.

In 2005, the breastfeeding rate on discharge from hospital was 47.5%. 43.5% of babies were exclusively breastfed, while 3.7% were fed using a combination of bottle and breastfeeding.

A higher percentage of mothers in higher professional groups (70.9%) breastfed their babies.

Although Ireland still compares unfavourably with other EU Member States, there has been an increase in the breastfeeding rate since 2001, when it was 41.3%, to 47.5% in 2005.

National Perinatal Reporting System (NPRS)

2005

Chronic health and hospitalisation

The principal conditions resulting in hospitalisation among children.

In 2007, there were 144,703 hospital discharges among children aged 0-17.

Of the 2007 hospital discharges:

• 21.7% (31,412) were aged less than 1 year; 29.5% (42,618) were in the age group 1-4; 19.5% (28,177) were in the age group 5-9; 15.8% (22,816) were in the age group 10-14; and 13.6% (19,680) were in the age group 15-17.
• 42.1% (60,977) in total were accounted for by diseases of the respiratory (13.7%) and digestive systems (8.9%); injury and poisoning (10.4%); and certain infectious and parasitic diseases (9.1%).

The total number of hospital discharges among children aged 0-17 increased by 8,733 between 2003 and 2007.

Hospital In-Patient Enquiry (HIPE) System (ESRI)

2007

Intellectual disability

The number and percentage of children under 18 registered as having an intellectual disability.

In 2007, the number of children under 18 registered as having an intellectual disability was 7,802.

36.8% of children registered as having an intellectual disability were identified as having a mild disability; 27.4% as having a moderate disability; 9.5% as having a severe disability; and 1.9% as having a profound disability.

13.7% (1,071) of children registered as having an intellectual disability were aged 0-4; 31.6% (2,468) were aged 5-9; 32.3% (2,519) were aged 10-14; and 22.4% (1,744) were aged 15-17.

National Intellectual Disability Database (NIDD) (approx. 95% national coverage)

2007

Physical and/or sensory disability

The number and percentage of children under 18 registered as having a physical and/or sensory disability.

In 2007, the number of children registered as having a physical and/or sensory disability was 8,373.

62.3% (5,213) of children under 18 registered as having a physical and/or sensory disability were boys and 37.7% (3,160) were girls.

8.3% (697) of children under 18 registered as having a physical and/or sensory disability were aged 0-4; 36.8% (3,081) were aged 5-9; 38.1% (3,189) were aged 10-14; and 16.8% (1,406) were aged 15-17.

National Physical and Sensory Disability Database (NPSDD) (approx. 65% national coverage)

2007

Abuse and neglect

The number of children who had an initial assessment for child welfare and protection concerns.

In 2006, the number of children who, following a report to the Social Work Department in the Health Service Executive (HSE), had an initial assessment for a child welfare and protection concern was 12,520. This equates to an overall rate of 120.8 children per 10,000.

The highest number of reported cases that went to initial assessment for child welfare and protection concerns was for welfare cases (6,221) and the lowest number was for cases of emotional abuse (1,100).

Childcare Interim Dataset (HSE)

2006

Indicator

Measure

Description

Comparisons

Data Source

Year

Participation in making the school rules

The percentage of children aged 9-17 who report students at their school participate in making the school rules.

In 2006, 22.5% of children reported that students at their school participate in making the school rules.

Using the ages of 11, 13 and 15 only to draw international comparisons with the 7 countries and regions that used this HBSC item, 24.9% of Irish children reported that students at their school participate in making the school rules. This is lower than the HBSC average of 33.8% and ranks Irish children 7th (last).

HBSC Survey

2006

Reading as a leisure activity

The percentage of children aged 15 who report that reading is one of their favourite hobbies.

In 2006, 42.6% of children reported that reading was one of their favourite hobbies.

Girls (52%) were more likely than boys (32.7%) to report that reading was one of their favourite hobbies.

PISA Survey

2006

Daily smoking

The percentage of children aged 9-17 who report smoking cigarettes every day.

In 2006, 8.5% of children reported smoking cigarettes every day. This was higher among older children (15.6% of 15-17 year-olds).

Using the ages of 11, 13 and 15 only to draw international comparisons with the 40 countries and regions that used this HBSC item, 6.5% of Irish children reported smoking cigarettes every day. This is higher than the HBSC average of 5.8% and ranks Irish children 17th.

HBSC Survey

2006

Weekly smoking

The percentage of children aged 9-17 who report smoking cigarettes every week.

In 2006, 11.7% of children reported smoking cigarettes every week. This was higher among older children (20.1% of 15-17 year-olds).

Using the ages of 11, 13 and 15 only to draw international comparisons with the 40 countries and regions that used this HBSC item, 9.2% of Irish children reported smoking cigarettes every week. This is higher than the HBSC average of 8.1% and ranks Irish children 17th.

HBSC Survey

2006

Alcohol use

The percentage of children aged 10-17 who report to have been drunk at least once in the last 30 days.

In 2006, 20.4% of children reported that they had been drunk at least once in the last 30 days.

Using the age of 15 only to draw international comparisons with the 9 countries and regions that used this HBSC item, 29.0% of Irish children reported that they had been drunk at least once in the last 30 days. This is higher than the HBSC average of 21.7% and ranks Irish children 2nd highest.

HBSC Survey

2006

Drug use

The proportion of children aged 10-17 who report having taken cannabis at least once in their lifetime.

In 2006, 15.7% of children aged 10-17 reported that they had used cannabis at least once in their lifetime.

Using the age of 15 only to draw international comparisons with the 39 countries and regions that used this HBSC item, 23.5% of Irish children reported that they had used cannabis at least once in their lifetime. This is higher than the HBSC average of 18% and ranks Irish children 12th.

HBSC Survey

2006

Sexual health and behaviour

The number of births to girls aged 15-17.

In 2006, the number of babies born to girls aged under 18 was 577 (this number includes a small number of births to girls aged 10-14).

There has been a constant decrease from 2002, when the number of babies born to girls under 18 was 779.

Vital Statistics; Population Estimates (CSO)

2006

Self-esteem

The percentage of children aged 9-17 who report feeling happy 'always' or 'very often' with the way they are.

In 2006, 58.2% of children reported feeling happy 'always' or 'very often' with the way they are.

The percentage of children who reported that they feel happy 'always' or 'very often' with the way they are was higher among boys (62.9%, compared to 53.1% of girls) and younger children (74.8% of 9-year-olds, compared to 49.3% of 15-17 year-olds).

HBSC Survey

2006

Self-reported happiness

The percentage of children aged 9-17 who report being happy with their lives at present.

In 2006, 90.8% of children reported that they were happy with their lives at present.

The percentage of children who reported being happy with their lives at present was higher among younger children (95% of 9-year-olds, compared to 88.5% of 15-17 year-olds).

HBSC Survey

2006

Youth suicide

The number and rate per 100,000 of suicide among children aged 10-17.

In 2006, there were 14 suicides among children under the age of 18. Youth suicide accounted for 14.7% of all deaths in the 10-17 age group.

The suicide rate for boys aged 10-17 was 11 per 100,000. This was over twice the rate for girls (5 per 100,000).

Vital Statistics (CSO)

2006

Physical activity

The percentage of children aged 9-17 who report being physically active for at least 60 minutes per day on more than 2 days per week.

In 2006, 90.4% of children reported that they were physically active for at least 60 minutes per day on more than 2 days per week.

Boys (93.6%) were more likely than girls (87%) to report that they were physically active for at least 60 minutes per day on more than 2 days per week.

Using the ages of 11, 13 and 15 only to draw international comparisons with the 41 countries and regions that used this HBSC item, 92.6% of Irish children reported that they were physically active for at least 60 minutes per day on more than 2 days per week. This is higher than the HBSC average of 87.3% and ranks Irish children 3rd.

HBSC Survey

2006

Physical activity

The percentage of children aged 9-17 who report being physically active for at least 60 minutes per day on more than 4 days per week.

In 2006, 54.8% of children reported that they were physically active for at least 60 minutes per day on more than 4 days per week.

Boys (63.4%) were more likely than girls (45.9%) to report that they were physically active for at least 60 minutes per day on more than 4 days per week.

Using the ages of 11, 13 and 15 only to draw international comparisons with the 41 countries and regions that used this HBSC item, 59.2% of Irish children reported that they were physically active for at least 60 minutes per day on more than 4 days per week. This is higher than the HBSC average of 42.6% and ranks Irish children 1st.

HBSC Survey

2006

Youth homelessness

The number and rate per 100,000 children who appeared to the Health Service Executive (HSE) to be homeless.

In 2006, the total number of children who appeared to the HSE to be homeless was 449. This equates to an overall rate of youth homelessness of 43.3 children per 100,000.

32.1% (144) of children who appeared to the HSE to be homeless were in HSE South; 30.3% (136) were in HSE Dublin North-East; 24.1% (108) were in HSE Dublin Mid-Leinster; and the remaining 13.6% (61) were in HSE West.

55% (247) of children who appeared to the HSE to be homeless were aged 16-17; 27.8% (125) were aged 14-15; 8% (36) were aged 12-13; and the remaining 9.1% (41) were less than 12 years-old.

Childcare Interim Dataset (HSE)

2006

Nutritional habits

The percentage of children aged 9-17 who report eating breakfast on 5 or more days per week.

In 2006, 76% of children reported eating breakfast on 5 or more days per week.

Boys (79.1%) were more likely than girls (72.9%) to report eating breakfast on 5 or more days per week.

Using the ages of 11, 13 and 15 only to draw international comparisons with the 39 countries and regions that used this HBSC item, 78.2% of Irish children reported eating breakfast on 5 or more days per week. This is higher than the HBSC average of 72.2% and ranks Irish children 14th.

HBSC Survey

2006

Indicator

Measure

Description

Comparisons

Data Source

Year

Public expenditure on education for children and young people

Public expenditure on education.

Public expenditure on education in Ireland decreased from 5.3% of GDP in 1996 to 4.8% of GDP in 2005. In terms of GNI, this represented a slight decrease, from a level of 5.8% in 1996 to 5.6% in 2005.

Real non-capital public expenditure per student in Ireland increased by 105% for first-level and by 86% for second-level over the period 1997-2006 when measured in constant 2006 prices.

Department of Education and Science; Eurostat

2005

Consistent poverty

The percentage of children living in households with a household income below the national 60% median, equivalised using the national equivalence scale, and experiencing basic deprivation.

In 2006, 10.3% of children under 18 experienced consistent poverty.

The consistent poverty rate of children under 18 living in households comprising a single adult with children was 33.9%.

EU Survey on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC)

2006

'At risk of poverty'

The percentage of children living in households with a household income below the national 60% median, equivalised using the national equivalence scale.

In 2006, 22.3% of children under 18 were considered to be 'at risk of poverty'.

The percentage of children under 18 at risk of poverty in Ireland (22%) was higher than the EU25 average (19%).

EU Survey on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC)

2006

Availability of housing for families with children

The number of children in families on a local authority housing waiting list.

22,335 households with children were identified as being in need of social housing in the 2005 assessment of housing needs.

61.4% of family households in need of social housing were households with one child, while 5.7% of households included 4 or more children.

There has been no update of the Triennial Assessment of Housing Need since the previous State of the Nation's Children report (2006).

Triennial Assessment of Housing Needs

2005

Perceived safety in the community

The percentage of children aged 9-17 who report feeling safe in the area where they live.

In 2006, 90.4% of children reported that they felt safe in the area where they live.

Using the ages of 11, 13 and 15 only to draw international comparisons with the 8 countries and regions that used this HBSC item, 91.2% of Irish children reported that they felt safe in the area where they live. This is higher than the HBSC average of 89.5% and ranks Irish children 3rd.

HBSC Survey

2006

Environment and places

The percentage of children aged 9-17 who report there are good places in their area to spend their free time.

In 2006, 42.2% of children reported that there were good places in their area to spend their free time.

Boys (45.4%) were more likely than girls (39%) to report that there were good places in their area to spend their free time.

Using the ages of 11, 13 and 15 only to draw international comparisons with the 7 countries and regions that used this HBSC item, 45.7% of Irish children reported that there were good places in their area to spend their free time. This is lower than the HBSC average of 64.3% and ranks Irish children 7th (last).

HBSC Survey

2006

Referrals to the Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme

The number of children referred to the Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme.

In 2007, a total of 21,861 children aged 10-17 were referred to the Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme. There were 27,767 referrals in total. (Some of these children were referred more than once.)

18.9% of children referred to the Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme were female.

Alcohol-related offences were the single highest cause of referrals to the Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme, representing 19.9% of all referrals.

An Garda Síochána

2007

Antenatal care

The distribution of timing of first antenatal visit by trimester for all women delivering live or stillborn babies.

In 2005, 72.3% of women presented for antenatal care in the 1st trimester, 19.9% in the 2nd trimester and 3.9% in the 3rd trimester.

Antenatal visits in the 1st trimester are lowest among the lower socio-economic groups, such as the 'unemployed' (59.5%).

Women who are primarily engaged in 'home duties' also have one of the lowest proportions of antenatal visits in the 1st trimester (65.5%).

National Perinatal Reporting System (NPRS)

2005

Childhood immunisation

The percentage uptake of D3/P3/T3/HiB3/
Polio3 and Meningococcal C3 vaccinations at (a) 12 months and (b) 24 months of age; and the percentage uptake of MMR1 vaccinations at 24 months of age.

In 2007, the overall level of uptake of immunisation was about 87% for children aged 12 months and 92% for children aged 24 months.

Immunisation rates have increased consistently year on year. However, Ireland continues to have one of the lowest immunisation rates in the EU.

Immunisation Uptake Statistics (Health Protection Surveillance Centre, HSE)

2007

Accessibility of basic health services for children

The number of children on hospital waiting lists.

In April 2008, 2,537 children were known to be on a hospital waiting list for treatment.

39% of the 2,537 children awaiting treatment were on the hospital list for 3-6 months; 42% for 6-12 months; and 19% for 1 year or more.

Of the 2,537 children who were known to be on a hospital waiting list awaiting treatment, 85% were awaiting surgical treatment and 15% were awaiting medical treatment.

Patient Treatment Register (PTR) (information from 43 hospitals nationwide, compared to 19 hospitals in 2006)

2008

Children and young people in care

The number of children who are in the care of the Health Service Executive (HSE).

In 2006, the number of children in the care of the HSE was 5,247. This equates to an overall rate of 50.6 children per 10,000.

87.6% of all children in the care of the HSE lived in foster family homes.

21.7% of children were in care for less than one year.

Childcare Interim Dataset (HSE)

2006

Mental health referrals

The number of admissions to psychiatric hospitals among children.

In 2006, there were 398 admissions to hospital for psychiatric care among children.

The number of admissions to psychiatric hospitals was higher for boys (54.8%) than for girls (45.2%).

Children aged 15-17 accounted for 83.7% of admissions to psychiatric hospitals.

National Psychiatric In-Patient Reporting System (NPIRS) (Health Research Board)

2006

Screening for growth and development

The percentage of mothers of newborn children visited by a Public Health Nurse within 48 hours of discharge from hospital.

In 2007, 72.1% of infants were visited by a Public Health Nurse (PHN) within 48 hours of discharge from hospital.

The percentage of newborn babies visited by a PHN within 48 hours of discharge from hospital varied across HSE Regions, ranging from 57.5% in HSE Dublin North-East to 85% in HSE West.

National Health Services Performance Indicators (HSE)

2007