The vast majority of children in Ireland are happy with their lives, a new report has found.

According to the UNICEF study, 86 per cent of young people in the country are content with their lot, with the period between 2001 and 2010 showing steady improvement in this regard.

It was revealed that Ireland is among the best places in the world to be a child, with the country being ranked tenth out of 29 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development nations.

The research revealed the rate of young people exercising in Ireland is higher than in any of the other countries considered, while there has also been a marked decline in the number of children smoking and more modest falls with regard to drinking and teenage pregnancy.

Peter Power, executive director of UNICEF Ireland, said: "We should credit today's young people with making smarter decisions when it comes to their health and ensure that the government continues to make the [right] decisions for children." 

Written by Donal Walsh
 

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