How have the lives of 13-year-olds changed so dramatically in a decade?

Fewer friends and less TV: how life has changed for Ireland's young teens

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The Economic and Social Research Institute study warns increased emotional issues are negatively impacting young people’s relations with their parents – particularly mothers.
The Economic and Social Research Institute study warns increased emotional issues are negatively impacting young people’s relations with their parents – particularly mothers.

Irish teenagers, particularly girls, have fewer friends and increased emotional difficulties when compared to teenagers a decade ago, according to a landmark report published this week.

The Economic and Social Research Institute study warned increased emotional issues are also negatively impacting young people’s relations with their parents – particularly mothers – and their engagement with education.

The study focused on a ten year period when people became increasingly reliant on digital devices while also living through a pandemic.

So, how much is technology and unlimited access to smartphones to blame for the social anxieties of our young people?

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And how are these changes affecting family dynamics, friendships and experiences of school?

Today on In the News, how the lives of 13-year-olds have changed dramatically in the past decade.

Presented by Sorcha Pollak. Produced by Suzanne Brennan.

Sorcha Pollak

Sorcha Pollak

Sorcha Pollak is an Irish Times reporter specialising in immigration issues and cohost of the In the News podcast