Injuries among Irish schoolchildren. HBSC Ireland Research Factsheet No. 3

HBSC Ireland 2010 has found that 39.5% of schoolchildren in Ireland report that they were injured and needed medical treatment from a doctor or a nurse once or more in the previous 12 months (47.2% of boys and 31.2% of girls). This figure represents a slight decrease from 42.7% in 2006. Among girls, the highest percentage of reported injuries is in the 12-14 year old age group and among boys is in the 15-17 year old age group. Children who were injured are more likely to report feeling pressured by schoolwork, having been bullied and bullying others and spending four or more evenings per week with friends. They are less likely to report feeling very happy with their lives, living with both parents and liking school. In this factsheet being injured refers to being injured and needing medical attention at least once in the last 12 months.