The relationship between young people and their teachers is far more impactful than the neighbourhood they grow up in, a report by the ESRI finds.

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Dr Roderic O’Gorman, T.D., today launched the report, Risk and Protective Factors in Adolescent Behaviour, by Emer Smyth and Merike Darmody. The new research published by the ESRI and produced in partnership with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability,  Inclusion and Youth (DCEDIY), uses data from the Growing Up in Ireland study showing most 17-year-olds have no behaviour difficulties and few 'act out at home, school or in the community.

Of those who display challenging behaviour, young men were found to act out or externalise anti-social behaviour while young women were found to be more likely to internalise their difficulties. Socio-economic disadvantage among families was linked to behavioural difficulties in the home but made no difference to anti-social behaviour at school.

The quality of the relationship between a young person and their teacher is proven to be a higher factor in the behaviour of young men and women. Those who struggled with certain subjects and did worse academically had poorer behaviour. Having at least one adult to talk about any problems, whether at home, school or in the community was associated with better behaviour overall. The report highlighted how some young people experience greater difficulties than others, regardless of which neighbourhood they came from, and schools were the common important influence on behaviour and a crucial place for support and structure.

Merike Darmody, one of the report’s authors, said:

"Young people’s behaviour is influenced by several factors. Good communication between families and schools is essential in supporting young people. Furthermore, having at least ‘one good adult’ can act as a protective factor, highlighting the importance of teachers, youth workers and other adults who work with young people in identifying and responding to the drivers of misbehaviour and school disengagement."

If you would like to read more on the ESRI findings, click here.

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