IT'S hardly a secret that adults and teenagers have different attitudes. But three Co Mayo students decided to examine exactly where they differ, and even in some cases agree.
Sharon Costello (17), Fidelma Burke (17) and Triona Bonner (16), from St Louis Community School, Kiltimagh, conducted a survey of the attitudes of teenagers and adults to alcohol, drugs and smoking.
They found that teenagers in Mayo were as aware of the negative consequences of drugs as their elders - but tended to favour their use despite being aware of the risks involved.
"The teenagers had a much more favourable attitude towards alcohol and soft drugs than adults. They both know the effects but adults act on the knowledge. Teenagers just continue," Ms Bonner explained.
However, "both adults and teenagers were at one on the dangers of smoking. The stereotypes held true except for the smoking," she commented.
The students also conducted a survey of German teenagers in two towns using the Internet, were surprised to discover that German teenagers were more like Irish adults than teenagers in their general attitudes.
The teenagers, who began the project with the assistance of teacher Ms Brid Clancy, said they had "had learnt an awful lot about attitude studies".
"There was a lot of work involved. First of all we had to do a pilot study and make sure that the questions we asked were the correct ones", Ms Costello said.