A nationwide campaign to promote alcohol- and drug-free events for junior cert results night was announced today.
The "Positive Alternatives" campaign aims to encourage junior certificate students to celebrate their results at events free from the pressures of alcohol and drug use.
Organised by the "No Name Club", a number of discos will take place for young people following the release of the junior cert results on Wednesday week.
The campaign comes in light of research published by the Health Service Executive (HSE) in May that found 30 per cent of Irish teens get drunk on a regular basis.
"The No Name Club enables young people to organise and enjoy positive alternatives to alcohol and drug centred activities, building self-confidence and increasing awareness of the effects of alcohol and drugs to help young people make informed decisions when they are older," according to Martin Ryan, CEO of No Name Club.
Katelyn Divilly, a fifth-year student at Presentation College Headfort in Galway, joined the club last year.
The student, who will be receiving her junior certificate results next week, said: "A lot of my friends drink [alcohol] and I used to feel peer pressure to do so, but after joining the No Name Club I have the confidence to say no."
The best thing about the club is the chance to develop communication skills and make new friends, she added.
Andrew Feely, a fifth-year student at Castleknock Community College in Dublin, said the club provided a great way for students to celebrate their results without resorting to alcohol.
Run by and for young people, the No Name club provides a variety of entertainment and development activities without drugs or alcohol, with more than 10,000 young teens taking part in club events each year.