Irish teens ‘succeeding in school, struggling in life', expert says amid ‘stark' least happy in developed world report
IRISH teenagers are among the least happy in high-income countries, despite leading the world in academic skills.
Almost one in three 15-year-olds report life satisfaction across the country, the UNICEF report revealed.
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More than one in four children and adolescents are overweight or obese in Ireland
Credit: Getty
While Ireland ranks first for academic performance, it falls to 24th for adolescent
Ireland's youth suicide rate also stands at 6.4 per 100,000 which is above the international average.
The Report Card 19: Child Wellbeing at Risk in an Unpredictable World compares the wellbeing of
Executive Director of UNICEF Ireland, Peter Power, said: "These findings are stark.
Read more in Health
"Ireland's teens are succeeding in school, but struggling in life.
"We must match our investment in academic achievement with the same urgency for mental and emotional wellbeing."
The report analysed changes from 2018 to 2022, a period marked by the
Across 26 countries with available data, life satisfaction among adolescents declined in 22.
Most read in The Irish Sun
School shutdowns, which lasted anywhere from three to twelve months, disconnected young people from peers, teachers, and critical support systems.
More than one in four children and adolescents are
The 15 signs a loved one is struggling with their mental health - and how to help
When combined with constant exposure to unrealistic online body standards, the mental and physical health pressures on young people are intensifying.
Head of Advocacy at UNICEF Ireland, Aibhlin O'Leary, added: "The pandemic has deepened existing inequalities, setting a troubling precedent for children's wellbeing - particularly among those from disadvantaged and marginalised backgrounds.
"To respond meaningfully, we need a unified, child-centred strategy that tackles these disparities head-on and supports every child, at every stage of their development."
UNICEF Ireland is urging the government to take targeted actions to protect child wellbeing, including increasing investment in in-school mental health services, particularly in disadvantaged areas, and drastically reducing waiting times for the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS).
UNICEF Ireland targeted actions:
Other targeted actions include:
Improving physical health by enforcing strict nutritional standards for school meals to ensure all children, especially in disadvantaged areas, have access to nutritious, balanced meals; regulation of the marketing of unhealthy foods to children, in line with public health priorities, must also be prioritised.
Strengthening digital resilience and body image education within the Junior Cycle curriculum, ensuring these topics are comprehensively delivered to address the harmful mental health effects of online pressures and unrealistic beauty standards.
Engaging children and young people in conversations about their experiences with mobile phones and digital technology, fostering digital literacy and awareness of their rights in the online space. This includes working with them to identify and address the challenges they face online, and developing solutions that promote their mental health and overall wellbeing
A spokesperson added: "UNICEF warns that the aftershocks of the pandemic, combined with economic pressures and digital harm, are reversing decades of progress in child wellbeing.
"Governments are urged to centre children in recovery plans and ensure young people have a voice in shaping their futures."
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The mental and physical health pressures on young people are intensifying
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The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I went to my doctor because I was so tired & later given shock diagnosis – one in five carry gene
A YOUNG woman has told how she was diagnosed with a genetic disorder after struggling with being tired all of the time. Advertisement 4 Aoife Lawlor was diagnosed at just 21 Credit: Aoife Lawlor 4 She said it was an 'accidental' discovery after going to her doctor because of tiredness Credit: Aoife Lawlor 4 Once diagnosed, treatment is simple to keep it at bay Credit: Getty Images - Getty One in 83 people are at risk of developing it, while one in five carry the gene. Aoife Lawlor, 28, from After suffering with symptoms like chronic fatigue, she was finally diagnosed in 2018 at just 21 years old. She told the Irish Sun: 'My doctor decided to do my ferritin levels [and] they were elevated. Then they did the TSATS which is the next test they do, and if they're both elevated they recommend a genetic test.' Advertisement READ MORE IN HEALTH It's one of the most common genetic disorders in Ireland, though for Aoife, it wasn't discovered that way. She explained: 'I know a lot of people who have hemochromatosis were discovered because someone in their "That wasn't my case, I was discovered accidentally [after] having a blood test for a different reason, for tiredness. 'It was a bit different for me because for a lot of people, maybe their parents had it and encouraged their Advertisement Most read in Health Tested Exclusive When Aoife went through the genetic test in 2018, she found that she had two copies of the C282Y gene. This is a genetic mutation of the HFE gene which is a significant risk factor for hereditary hemochromatosis. She explained: "If you have two copies of the gene you may be at risk of developing iron overloads, and according to the Irish Hemochromatosis Society, there could be about 20,000 people undiagnosed and not realizing.' PREMATURE DEATH It's vital to get diagnosed early, as left untreated it could lead to a number of issues including iron overload, organ damage and even premature death. Advertisement She added: 'The iron overload can lead to organ damage or premature death, so really it is good to be tested with just a simple blood test that can basically save your health in the future. 'I was really tired, that was my main symptom, chronic fatigue, and a lot of people say that they get joint pain especially in their knuckles. "I thankfully haven't experienced [many more symptoms] from it being caught early, but a lot of people can experience liver disease, type 2 diabetes and cardiomyopathy.' But despite its prevalence, not many know about it. Advertisement Common symptoms usually appear between the ages of 30 and 60, and usually include: feeling very tired all the time (fatigue) weight loss weakness joint pain not being able to get or keep an erection (erectile dysfunction) irregular periods or missing periods Thanks to Aoife's early diagnosis, she has been availing of treatment for the past eight years and now She explained: 'After I got diagnosed in 2018 I had my rounds of venesections for 2018-2019 and then it came down to maintenance when levels are back to normal. ASK FOR THE TEST "Once they're reestablished, you just get periodic blood tests to make sure they're still normal, then you maintain it and might only need to have a venesection twice a year depending on who you are and your levels." Advertisement Medical charity The Irish Haemochromatosis Association (IHA) offers support to patients and their family, and have been trying to spread awareness for 25 years. To achieve an early diagnosis, Aoife, alongside the She explained: 'I will always say just ask to get the ferritin test done - I'm not sure if that's included in routine blood tests but I think it's worth asking to always get your ferritin and TSATS checked. "It could open up something you didn't know about, and [allow you] to have venesections. Advertisement "When people are diagnosed older they have all that time they've lost when they could have been having venesections and fixing it. 'I'm relatively young to have been diagnosed, and other young people could be diagnosed if they have a family history, if they're experiencing symptoms like chronic fatigue, just by asking for their ferritin and TSATS to be tested. " World Haemochromatosis Awareness Week runs in Ireland from June 1 until June 7, and will see different landmarks lit up in red to spread the word. Advertisement 4 Meath footballer Mathew Costello, the IHA's recently appointed Chair, GAA All Star David Beggy and Mya Beggy, 9, at the launch of World Haemochromatosis Awareness Week Credit: (C) Barry Cronin
The Irish Sun
7 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Free booze killed our pal & sister… people are bottling this poison for tourists and we need to flag the warning signs
LIFTING her drink, Bethany Clarke clinked glasses with her best friend Simone White and they each took a swig. The vodka and lemonade, which the girls had been given for free at Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos, tasted weak, but they assumed it had been watered down. 6 Bethany Clarke and Simone White were on holiday together in Laos when what seemed like a fun night out turned into tragedy Credit: Supplied by Bethany Clarke 6 With suspected methanol poisoning claiming the lives of ever more tourists, we speak to the victims and campaigners desperately trying to put a stop to it Credit: Getty 6 Best friends Bethany and Simone fell ill after drinking vodka shots abroad — it was later found they'd been poisoned with methanol Credit: Bethany Clarke The childhood friends, from Orpington, Kent, enjoyed five more freebie drinks during the hostel's happy hour, blissfully unaware that within 24 hours, they would both be critically ill. Nine days later, on November 21 last year, 'It's hard to put into words how horrendous it was,' says Bethany, a podiatrist who now lives in Brisbane. 'It was the worst period of my life. I could not understand how we'd gone from having a few drinks in a bar together, to this." The morning after, we all felt fine. It just seemed like a bad hangover Bethany Clarke Along with Simone, Denmark , and American James Louis Hutson, 57, also lost their lives. This shocking case is just one of a number of methanol poisoning incidents in popular backpacker destinations, such as Indonesia, Laos and Vietnam, in recent months. The issue mainly affects poorer countries, where law enforcement is under-resourced and there are few regulations around food and alcohol standards. In Southeast Asia, there is also an industry of home-brewed alcohol, which can lead to accidental poisonings. Experts have warned that the true scope of the problem is unknown. Fiona Chuah, methanol poisoning initiative team lead at Doctors Without Borders, says: 'Without a comprehensive national and international surveillance and reporting system, the prevalence is likely under reported. 'Many cases go unrecognised, because symptoms – which often appear 12 to 24 hours after ingestion – such as headache, nausea, dizziness and visual disturbances, are often mistaken for hangovers, food poisoning or other illnesses, and this then delays critical treatment.' Bethany and Simone met at primary school and had previously travelled together to countries including Thailand and China, before planning their two-and-a-half-week trip for November 2024. Brit lawyer Simone White, 28, dies in 'methanol-laced alcohol poisoning' that left 4 others dead in backpacking hotspot They met up in Phnom Penh in Cambodia, before arriving in Vang Vieng in Laos on November 11. They spent the next day 'tubing' – a bar crawl using inflatables along a river – before joining a friend, Daniel*, for free vodka shots at the hostel, which they mixed with Sprite. 'There was a nice vibe,' Bethany recalls. 'We had been drinking in random bars in places like Bali and Thailand before and not seen it as a risk.' I was drifting in and out of consciousness, but also trying to advocate for Simone and keep an eye on all our possessions Bethany Clarke After around two hours, the trio left, feeling 'not particularly drunk'. The next morning, they joined a kayaking excursion. 'We all felt a bit off, but fine,' Bethany says. 'It just seemed like a bad hangover.' That night, the trio boarded a minibus to make the two-hour journey to Laos' capital, Vientiane, during which Simone was sick and Bethany fainted. The driver dropped them at a public hospital, where medics wrongly suspected food poisoning or drug use and gave them IV fluids via a drip. Soon after, Simone's condition worsened. The group were transferred to a private hospital where, at around 11.30pm – 26 hours after drinking the shots – tests showed methanol poisoning. 'I was drifting in and out of consciousness, but also trying to advocate for Simone and keep an eye on all our possessions,' Bethany recalls. 'I still hoped it would all be OK. 'I even thought we might be able to carry on with the holiday .' The next day, Bethany and Daniel, whose condition had stabilised, were moved to another ward and told that Simone was sedated but also improving. In the meantime, Bethany's worried family offered to travel out to be with her, but she refused. 'I had no idea how long we would be in hospital, or that Simone wouldn't survive,' she says. I wondered if it had been me who had picked up the 'bad' drinks and given them to Simone Bethany Clarke Later, as Sue was preparing to fly 16 hours from the UK, Bethany had to contact her again, as Simone had deteriorated and needed consent for brain surgery. Sue arrived in Laos just ahead of the operation, but sadly it was unsuccessful. Six days later, her life support was switched off. 'I was in denial. None of us could believe what had happened,' says Bethany, who flew back to the UK with Sue and Daniel that same evening. Simone was repatriated days later, and her funeral was held in December. 'Afterwards, I had to keep talking about what had happened as I tried to understand it. I wondered if it had been me who had picked up the 'bad' drinks and given them to Simone,' says Bethany. 'I'm smaller than her and I have epilepsy, 'It was a lot for my family to cope with, too. 'For them, I nearly died as well.' DEADLY HOMEBREW Methanol can affect people differently, depending on the mix of the drink and how an individual metabolises it, explains Dr Knut Erik Hovda, technical consultant at the Methanol Poisoning Institute (MPi), a Doctors Without Borders initiative. 'It is not the methanol itself that is toxic, but the metabolite – the end product. Depending on the exact amount of methanol in the drink, as well as how much regular alcohol – which acts as an antidote – is present, people may respond differently,' he says. After news of the first two deaths – investigation is ongoing, and no charges have been reported. 6 Measha Rudge, right, with her sister Cheznye, 23, who died in Indonesia in 2013 in similar circumstances 6 Ashley King was 18 when she was blinded after drinking a counterfeit cocktail during a night out in Kuta, Bali, in March 2011 Credit: Instagram The mass deaths, which attracted global headlines, brought back painful memories for Measha Rudge, whose sister Cheznye Emmons, 23, died in Indonesia in 2013 in similar circumstances. 'So many have died' Measha, 38, has been raising awareness about the dangers of counterfeit alcohol through her Save A Life campaign in memory of beautician Cheznye. 'It's heartbreaking that so many have died since Chez,' says Measha, a teacher from Shoebury, Essex. Cheznye was on a six-month trip around Southeast Asia with boyfriend Joe Cook when she drank shop-bought 'gin' – which came in a sealed bottle – in Sumatra. After she became sick and lost her vision, medics diagnosed her with methanol poisoning and put her in an induced coma, but she passed away five days later. 'It was horrendous,' Measha says. 'Chez was my best friend. 'She always had a smile on her face, always tried to make people happy.' It was horrendous, Chez was my best friend. She always had a smile on her face, always tried to make people happy Measha Rudge In late 2013, Measha's dad Brenton travelled to Sumatra with the BBC's Fake Britain and discovered that shops were still selling bootleg gin at a low cost. 'In Indonesia, the alcohol tax is really high, so some locals brew it themselves,' Measha says. 'You would believe the packaging is real and it's not. 'People are just bottling up this crap, and nobody is ever held to account.' In the aftermath of Cheznye's death, Measha and her family liaised with the UK government about an awareness campaign. They produced posters to be shared in NHS clinics for people getting vaccinations before travelling to Southeast Asia, and had warnings added to the FCDO website for countries where consuming counterfeit alcohol is a risk. Counterfeit cocktails But over the years, interest has waned. Measha says most clinics declined to display the posters, and warnings are not prominent enough for tourists. 'You have young people fresh out of school or university who are going to go to Southeast Asia to enjoy themselves. And none of them are thinking they shouldn't take free or cheap drinks. We need to make the risks clear.' This was the case for Ashley King, who was 18 when she went blind after drinking a counterfeit cocktail during a night out in Kuta, Bali, in March 2011. She began feeling 'disoriented and nauseous' the following evening, after taking a flight to New Zealand and arriving at her hostel in Christchurch. The next morning, she noticed the lighting was 'dim' in her room and, soon after, she found herself struggling to breathe. 'Someone from the hostel took me to a clinic. By the time I arrived, I couldn't see the nurse's fingers,' Ashley, now 32, remembers. She was rushed to hospital, where tests showed she had methanol poisoning. 'They told my family to get on the first flight out, because they thought I might not make it,' she says. In denial Ashley awoke the next day in ICU and, two days later, she was moved to a regular ward, but still couldn't see. A few days later, doctors confirmed her optic nerves were dying and her eyesight would not return. 'I started crying,' she recalls. 'I thought my life was over, that I'd never have a career, fall in love or go to university.' Medics asked if she wanted to file a police report, but she declined, thinking there was no point – a decision she now regrets. She was treated in New Zealand for a month before returning to her home in Calgary, Canada. 'I would lie to friends and say I was getting my eyesight back,' she says. 'I refused to use a cane and hated asking for help. 'I was angry, sad and resentful.' Prevention not treatment She spent three years 'in denial', before deciding at 21 to study journalism at university and, later, acting. She eventually landed a job in theatre admin, then won a grant to develop a play about her experience called Static: A Party Girl's Memoir, which she performed last year at a theatre in Calgary. She has now adapted the show into a podcast. 'Methanol poisoning was the most traumatic thing that's happened to me, but I'm proud I've been able to reclaim the narrative,' she says. Ashley had hoped to be 'an anomaly' and is horrified by the recent surge in methanol poisoning incidents. Other cases have included Brit Boxing Day last year after Likewise, in January, 33 people died and another 43 were hospitalised after Since methanol can't be detected by sight, smell or taste, Doctors Without Borders' Fiona Chuah recommends avoiding any home-made alcoholic drinks or those from questionable sources. 'Purchase alcohol from licensed stores, bars and hotels, or other reputable sources, and stick to well-known brands,' she says. 'Always check seals are intact and inspect labels for poor print quality or incorrect spelling. 'Exceptionally low prices can be a red flag.' 6 Brit Greta Marie Otteson, 33, and fiancé Els Arno Quinton, 36, died in Vietnam last year, after drinking limoncello suspected to be laced with methanol Credit: Facebook Four months on from Simone's death, Bethany says she is not holding out hope for justice for her friend. 'I don't have much faith, as the communication from authorities has been poor,' she says. Instead, she is determined to educate others about the dangers of counterfeit alcohol, and has launched a petition calling for the issue to be included in the school curriculum. ''Steer clear, drink beer' is the message that we're pushing – fake spirits can look very convincing in some of the countries where methanol poisoning is a problem,' Bethany explains. 'We need to focus on prevention, rather than treatment. 'I've lost the most important person in my life to methanol poisoning. 'All we can do for her now is to raise awareness and try to save others.' Sign the petition to put the dangers of methanol poisoning on the school curriculum at
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
I've lost 3.8 stone on Mounjaro – I've had bad hair loss & another VERY unexpected side effect I'm not coping well with
A MOTHER has revealed that despite losing over three stone thanks to Mounjaro, she has been hit with some unfortunate side effects. Chloe Mckernan, 32, a mum-of-two from Glasgow who is currently on her 'glow up journey', got candid on the side effects, which are not limited to Advertisement 4 A mum-of-two has explained that in addition to hair loss, she has experienced a very unexpected side effect since using Mounjaro Credit: TikTok/@chlo_mckernan 4 Chloe claimed that since using Mounjaro, her new hairs have been growing in GREY Credit: TikTok/@chlo_mckernan 4 Mounjaro is typically used to treat type 2 diabetes Credit: Getty The brunette, who recently opened up on dealing with a Posting on social media, Chloe, who has the 'confidence to wear shorts again', revealed that she has lost 3 stone 8 lbs since using The young woman confirmed that as a result of taking Sun GP Advertisement Read more on fat jabs But despite this, the NHS warned: 'Never take an anti-obesity medicine if it has not been prescribed to you. "These types of medicines may not be safe for you and can cause serious side effects.' In recent clips shared online, Chloe discussed the side effects she has experienced since taking As she held a huge pile of Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive Exclusive 'I'm actually really scared to get my hair done on Thursday because I don't know how much of my actual hair I've got left. I'm actually so scared.' As she showed off her natural hair underneath her extensions, she added: 'My hair has been really bad. I don't have much hair underneath, my hair is getting really Weight Loss Jabs - Pros vs Cons While hair loss isn't a direct side effect listed in Mounjaro's package insert, a 2022 clinical trial showed that 4.9% to 5.7% of participants taking Mounjaro reported hair loss, compared to 0.9% in the placebo group, This is usually a result of a rapid Advertisement Not only this, but in All the new hairs are growing in white, I can't be dealing with that Chloe Mckernan The mother said: 'So obviously I've had 'I'm 32 not 62, why have I get grey hairs? All the new hairs are growing in white, I can't be dealing with that.' Advertisement Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. Despite Chloe's concerns, there is currently no scientific evidence directly linking Mounjaro to an increase in However, some individuals, including Chloe, have reported changes in their hair colour or texture whilst taking fat jabs. It appears that t hese observations may be influenced by factors such as diet, Advertisement Social media users react Chloe's TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ Numerous other It's not Mounjaro!! It's the weight loss, it will grow back TikTok user One person said: 'My hair has fallen out so much since being on Mounjaro.' Another added: 'My hair was falling out in CHUNKS, it's so scary.' Advertisement A third commented: 'I've had the longest and Hair Loss 101 HAIR pro Why Does Hair Loss Happen? Hair loss can be influenced by so many factors, from genetics and hormone changes to lifestyle choices. Stress, diet, and even hair care habits can all impact hair strength. It's perfectly normal to lose some hair each day, but sometimes the body can shed more than usual, responding to things like hormonal shifts or even life stressors. Why It Happens More This Time of Year Have you ever noticed your hair seems to shed more in autumn? That's seasonal shedding! During summer, we hold onto extra hair to protect our scalp from the sun. As the weather cools, it's like our body recalibrates and lets go of those extra strands. Dry, cooler air can also make hair more brittle, making it easier to lose a little extra volume during these months. Hacks and Affordable Buys to Treat Hair loss The great news? You don't need to spend a fortune on pricey treatments to support your hair. Try daily scalp massages—they're so simple but really help boost blood flow to the follicles. Castor oil is another fantastic, budget-friendly option that's rich in nutrients to strengthen your strands. Adding a bit more protein to your diet and a biotin supplement can also work wonders for overall hair health. Products to Avoid Steer clear of products with high levels of alcohol, sulphates, and parabens - they can be drying and damage hair over time. Heat styling and chemical treatments can also cause breakage, so try to use them sparingly. Instead, look for gentle, hydrating formulas to support your scalp and keep hair healthier through the seasons. But at the same time, one user clarified: 'It's not Mounjaro!! It's the weight loss, it will grow back.' Meanwhile, another agreed: 'Hair loss means you aren't eating enough. 'It's important to get enough Advertisement Fatal consequences In addition to hair loss, those debating whether to begin using The injections are licensed for patients with 4 They are also available to assist those who are clinically obese (with a Advertisement The drugs can be prescribed by a practitioner - such as a doctor, nurse or a pharmacist-independent prescriber. But increasingly, we are seeing more and more people buying them through online pharmacies, without sufficient checks. Not only this, but figures from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency revealed that Following the death of a man from Burton upon Trent, Staffs, who died after taking Mounjaro, his family are now Advertisement Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
