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Launch of Health Behaviour in School-aged Children Trends Report 1998-2018 (HBSC)

08 March 2021


HBSC Trends Report 1998-2018 (2021)

The Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and National Drugs Strategy Frank Feighan has just launched the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children Trends Report 1998-2018 (HBSC).

 

Key highlights relevant to Oral Health

More children (10-17 year olds) are brushing their teeth more than once a day – 70.1% in 2018, compared to 57.6% in 1998, with more girls than boys doing so.

21% report eating sweets once a day or more.

7% report drinking soft drinks daily or more.

23% report consuming fruit more than once a day.

215 report consuming vegetables more than once a day.

Fewer children report currently smoking – 5.3% in 2018, compared to 22.6% in 1998. Fewer children report that they have ever been drunk – 19% in 2018 compared to 33% in 1998.