Home -> Parent Info -> Childcare in the News Childhood happiness study puts Ireland top Wednesday November 11 2009 THEY'RE forever under our feet and more often than not get under our skin, but Irish kids have come out tops in an international lifestyle study. They're healthier and happier than their counterparts in England, Scotland and Wales, according to the study of more than 20,000 11-15 year-olds. The study, which was co-authored by researchers at NUI Galway, has been compiled in collaboration with the World Health Organisation and is due to be published today. It looks at a variety of issues from health and well-being to home and school-life, physical activity and alcohol. The researchers found that Irish kids are more likely than their British cousins to report high life satisfaction, and less likely to complain of feeling low or of having a poor body image. Discussion They are also more likely to engage in healthy, physical activity and less likely to spend time in front of a screen playing computer games. And they are more likely to be living with both parents in the family home where Irish boys, in particular, find it easier to discuss concerns with their father. Study author Dr Saoirse Nic Gabhann said: "It is important that we recognise the differences as well as the similarities between children in the UK and Ireland. "This report suggests that it is important not just to borrow unquestioningly from UK policy and practice when we are trying to improve child health, but that we need to work out where we are similar and where we are not and be more selective in what we do." - Brian McDonald, Irish Independent Get Listed on MyChildcare.ie today....Sign Up Here
Childcare in the News - 11th November 2009