Minister launches first Planet Youth Report for Midlands to support health of young people across Longford

MINISTER of State with responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O'Connor has launched the first Planet Youth Report for the Midlands region, providing an important evidence base to support the health and wellbeing of young people across Longford.

Speaking in a video address at the launch, Minister Murnane O'Connor said:

“As Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, I am a strong advocate for evidence-based prevention. We must ensure our younger population have the appropriate supports and care in place to build life skills, confidence, and the ability to make informed, healthy choices.

“The data provided though the Planet Youth report will guide local action. I am impressed by the level of involvement of schools and other educational settings that you have achieved. I also want to commend the Task Force for involving young people in this research as it is critical that we listen to their voices.”

The Planet Youth Midlands survey collected anonymous lifestyle and wellbeing data from post-Junior Certificate students in 40 secondary schools and 12 out-of-school settings across the Midlands during 2025. The study examined both risk and protective factors influencing adolescent physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Dr Una Fallon, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, HSE Health Improvement for Dublin and Midlands added:

“The Midlands survey has generated an unprecedented local dataset. It provides rich information on issues including alcohol use, vaping, use of other substances, physical and mental health, sleep, school engagement, family relationships, social connectedness, and online activity. It identifies both significant strengths and important challenges within our communities. Most importantly, it provides evidence that is specific to Midlands young people rather than relying on national surveys and assumptions.”

These challenges are interrelated and not easily addressed through individual programmes or single-agency responses. The strength of the Midlands project lies in the breadth of expertise and perspectives represented across the established Midlands Planet Youth Oversight Committee. The team brings together 26 members from 15 agencies spanning health, education, youth services, community development, local government, family support and community safety sectors. Collectively, these members are responsible for interpreting the Planet Youth survey and developing a collaborative response. Together they bring a deep understanding of the context in which young people in the Midlands live, learn and develop.

As a direct reflection of young people's experiences and perspectives, the survey provides valuable data for communities, voluntary organisations and statutory services. The findings will help inform local planning, strengthen existing supports and guide actions that can make the greatest difference to young people's lives

The report, commissioned by the Midland Regional Drugs & Alcohol Task Force (MRDATF) and funded by the Department of Health and HSE, presents a comprehensive picture of the experiences, behaviours and wellbeing of young people in the region. The findings highlight many positive aspects of young people's lives, including strong friendships, supportive family relationships and positive connections with schools. They also identify areas where additional support, investment and coordinated action could improve outcomes.

Antoinette Kinsella, Co-ordinator Midland Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force commented:

“The MRDATF is delighted to be in a position to lead on the roll out of the planet youth project across the Midlands region. This report is not just a collection of numbers and charts; it is a mirror held up to our communities across the Midlands. It draws directly from the voices and honest feedback of our young people sitting in our local classrooms across the midland region. I very much look forward to moving to the next phase of this project where we consider the data and commence the action planning phase of this project. I also look forward to our continued and collaborative working with the established Midlands Planet Youth Oversight Committee and HSE colleagues”.

Planet Youth is an international prevention model focused on improving youth health and wellbeing, with a particular emphasis on preventing alcohol and drug use. Developed from the Icelandic Prevention Model, it recognises that young people's health and behaviour are shaped not only by individual choices but also by their wider environment, including family, peers, schools, communities and social conditions. It is currently being implemented in six other sites across the counties to include nine counties.

Key findings of the Midland Regional report with sample size of 3,378 students include:

71% of respondents reported alcohol use in their lifetime.

26% Had a drink of alcohol at age 13 or younger.

42% Vaped in their lifetime.

15% Vaped daily.

26% Smoked in their lifetime.

55% Had less than 8 hours sleep per night on average.

39% Report ever having had suicidal thoughts.

27% Restricted food intake for three months or more.

84% Had a phone in their bedroom at night.

68% Uses social media three or more hours per day.

26% Watched pornography at age 13 or younger.

18% Has been asked to send a sexually explicit image of themselves in the last year.

43% Reported being bullied at school by someone.

15% Does not participate in any supervised out-of-school activities.

Further information and copies of the regional reports are available at www.planetyouth.ie.