Teenagers have called on the Government to lengthen the Leaving Cert cycle to three years and reduce the Junior Cert cycle to two years.
They have also called for a new law to regulate the use of altered advertisements and images in magazines and other media.
The recommendations were made at the ninth Dáil na nÓg, which was held in Croke Park today.
Some 200 delegates, aged between 12 and 18, took part in Dáil na nÓg to discuss and vote on recommendations for action on access to education and mental health.
They voted in favour of the introduction of a law which would state that all altered advertisements or images must carry a symbol and text, indicating the modifications. This would show that airbrushed images of models and celebrities were not normal and would reduce the pressure on teenagers to have perfect bodies, they said.
They also called on the Department of Education to provide adequate funding for a designated person, not directly involved in teaching, to offer confidential advice and support to promote positive mental health.
Dáil na nÓg delegates said Government departments should set up and fund an education group to educate 2nd and 5th year students in schools and youth clubs about depression and suicide.
They called for a national book rental scheme for all secondary schools with a standard fee for all students. They also sought classes on motivation, confidence-building and exam pressures and said they should be delivered by an outsider.
Minister for Children Barry Andrews attended the day-long meeting and said he and the Government were committed to listening to the views of young people and ensuring that they were included in decision-making.
