A new global study on the health of young people shows Irish children are doing well, compared to their counterparts in other countries.
The report examines the health and well being of over 200,000 children aged 11, 13 and 15.
The World Health Organisation study was carried out in 41 countries.
The Irish element was conducted by the Health Promotion Research Centre, at the National University of Ireland Galway.
It is the third time that Irish data has been included in such research.
Compared with previous surveys, there has been a reduction in the consumption of confectionery and soft drinks and an increase in tooth brushing habits.
Levels of physical activity have been maintained.
Irish 11-year-olds are near the top of the class when it comes to engaging in regular physical activity.
They are also in the top ten and well above the average for rates of breakfast eating and school performance.
10% of 11-year-olds report being bullied, 5% behind the international average.
The report shows that almost 20% of Irish 15-year-olds smoke tobacco on at least a weekly basis, one-third have been drunk on two or more occasions and 9% reported using cannabis in the previous month.
The study also points to significant differences between genders.
For example, 15-year-old boys are more likely to eat breakfast, exercise, fight and use cannabis compared to females.
Girls of the same age are more likely to diet, eat fruit, brush their teeth and to feel pressured over schoolwork.
The study shows they also are more inclined to think they are too fat.
Children from less affluent families are more likely to smoke and watch more than two hours of television a day.
Those from better-off families report having better relationships with their fathers and get on better in school.
