Summary: Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley has launched a new Growing Up in Ireland report, distilling insights from over 300 studies on the lives of more than 28,500 children. The findings highlight both risks—such as bullying, family adversity, and rising screen time—and protective factors like strong relationships, safe communities, and structured activities. The study, now spanning three generations, is shaping national policy on child well-being.
Dublin, 4 November 2025 — Minister Norma Foley today unveiled the latest Growing Up in Ireland report at the 17th annual research conference in Dublin, presenting a comprehensive overview of child well-being based on one of the world’s largest longitudinal studies of children and young people.
A Study Across Generations
The Growing Up in Ireland project, jointly run by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and the Central Statistics Office, tracks the lives of three cohorts: children born in 1998, 2008, and 2024. By following the same individuals over time, the study provides unique insights into how social, economic, and health factors shape childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood.
Key Findings
The new publication, What We Know from Growing Up in Ireland, prepared by researchers at University College Dublin, synthesises evidence from more than 300 academic papers. Among its most significant findings:
- Risks: Bullying, socio-economic disadvantage, parental illness, and stress are strongly linked to poorer emotional outcomes.
- Protective factors: Supportive family and peer relationships, safe local facilities, and participation in structured sports enhance resilience and well-being.
- Gender differences: Adolescent girls report higher levels of anxiety and emotional difficulties, while boys show higher rates of anti-social behaviour.
- Education: Boys generally outperformed in maths at ages 9 and 13, while girls excelled in literacy at 15 and achieved stronger Leaving Certificate results.
- Physical activity: Boys were consistently more active, while girls, children with chronic illness or disabilities, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds reported lower activity levels.
- Screen time: Marked increases in screen use were associated with reduced well-being and physical activity.
Policy and Research Impact
Minister Foley described the study as “a unique resource for understanding the lived experiences of Irish children,” adding that its findings will guide government policy across education, health, and social services. She also confirmed that the first interviews with families of babies born in 2024 have been completed, marking the beginning of the study’s third generation.
Conference Highlights
The launch coincided with the annual Growing Up in Ireland conference at Dublin’s Gibson Hotel, where researchers, policymakers, and youth representatives gathered to discuss the findings. Delegates also heard from Comhairle na nÓg, offering young people’s perspectives, and from Professor James Hall of the University of Southampton, who delivered a keynote on structural inequalities and early childhood education.
In short: The Growing Up in Ireland report underscores the complex interplay of risks and supports shaping children’s lives. Its findings are expected to play a central role in shaping Ireland’s child and youth policies for years to come.
Minister-Norma-Foley-Picture-by-Gareth-Chaney-Collins-Dublin.
Source: Department of Children, Disability and Equality – Minister Foley launches new Growing Up in Ireland report on child well-being gov.ie.
