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Research conducted by the ESRI.
Schools are more important than neighbourhoods in influencing teenagers' behaviour, according to new research.
An ESRI report of 17 year olds found they're more likely to have behaviour problems if they have poor relationships with their teachers, and are doing badly academically.
Acting out at home and at school is more common among boys, while girls are more likely to internalise their difficulties - which increases significantly between the ages of 13 and 17.
The study also discovered having larger friendship groups and older friends is linked to misbehaviour.
Research Professor at the ESRI, Emer Smyth, says teachers and youth workers are crucial in supporting teenagers' wellbeing:
"Schools are more important than neighbourhoods in influencing adolescent behaviour. Overall, most 17-year-olds have no behaviour difficulties and few consistently ‘act out’ at school or in the community."https://t.co/yhJCP74TN0
— Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) (@ESRIDublin) May 12, 2021
The report also found young people who have at least one adult to talk to about problems have better behaviour outcomes.
Prof. Smyth, says the pandemic has highlighted how important schools are for teenagers' mental health: