Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

252. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent to which research has been undertaken to identify the most common causes of concern and stress among young persons in modern times; the extent to which any corrective measures can be put in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15227/16]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am aware that there is a great deal of research in the public domain in relation to the issues raised by the Deputy.

My Department funds and oversees the ‘Growing Up in Ireland’ national longitudinal study, which collects a wide range of data across a number of key domains of children’s lives, including data relating to issues of concern and stress. The study monitors the development of almost 20,000 children. It examines the factors that contribute to or undermine the well-being of children in contemporary Irish families, and through this, contributes to the setting of effective and responsive policies relating to children and to the design of services for children and families. Information on causes of concern and stress amongst young persons is collected through a number of questions and validated scales on several aspects of the child’s socio-emotional development including behaviour, social skills and interactions with parents.

My Department has also commissioned a number of research reports which focus on the issues of mental health, feelings, mood, and socio-emotional behaviours and outcomes. Stressful events for 5 year olds include the death of a family member, moving house, serious illness of a family member and conflict between parents. The lives of 13 year olds are affected by less positive self-concepts in the areas of 'physical appearance', 'popularity' and 'intellectual/school'. It is also known that persistent economic vulnerability has negative consequences for the socio-emotional development of children.

My Department provided funding for a May 2015 report by young people entitled “Picture Your Rights – A Report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child from Children Living in Ireland”. Among other areas, the report focused on the topic of ‘Mind and Body – Learning to take care of ourselves.’ Within this area the spotlight issues of bullying, mental health, and stress were identified. In that regard the report noted that mental health and physical safety are the two main issues that young people are concerned about in Ireland. The report identified bullying as the number one issue that worries young people, followed closely by stress and the pressure of school and home life. Concerns were also expressed about body image and physical health.

Regarding the wellbeing of children and young people in general, I refer the Deputy to the extensive policy frameworks 'Better Outcomes Brighter Futures: the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People (2014-2020)', and 'Healthy Ireland: A Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing (2013-2025)'. Issues of concern and stress impact on the areas of responsibility of a number of Government departments. There are various strategies and initiatives that are relevant to tackling challenges of the kind identified by young people. Examples include the Action Plan on Bullying launched by the Minister for Education and Skills; the Prevention, Partnership and Family Support Programme (2015-2018) undertaken by Tusla; Ireland’s first National Sexual Health Strategy (2015-2020), launched by the Minister for Health; ‘Connecting for Life’, the new national strategy to reduce suicide (2015-2020); Ireland’s first National Physical Activity Plan, launched in January 2016; and a new Obesity Policy and Action Plan, under development by the Department of Health.

Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures recognises the importance of good mental health to children and young people, as reflected in the national outcome that children are active and healthy with physical and mental wellbeing. The framework contains a number of commitments in the area of mental health for progression in 2016.

In relation to children in detention, the Irish Youth Justice Service (IYJS) is committed to a research programme on youth crime under the Youth Justice Action Plan 2014-2018. The IYJS and Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, have together developed a national clinical service for children in special care and detention, known as the Assessment, Consultation and Therapy Service (ACTS), which also engages in short term interventions, when children return to their communities, to support them to re-engage with mainstream services as appropriate.

Finally, given that exam time can be a very stressful time for children, I want to acknowledge the important role played by parents and teachers in guiding children through this and other challenging periods in their lives.