Galway survey shows rise in substance use and phone addiction – ‘I wouldn’t like to be a young person right now’
Galway councillors expressed shock at the latest Planet Youth data, with many calling for stronger involvement in tackling the staggering statistics.
The figures were presented at the November Galway County Council plenary meeting and several councillors, themselves parents of young children and teenagers, said they felt a personal connection to the findings.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Galway city councillors just weeks prior.
The figures were drawn from the fourth Planet Youth survey, conducted by the Western Region Drug and Alcohol Task Force (WRDATF). Based on an evidence-led prevention model developed in Iceland, the survey gathered nearly 2,200 responses from pupils aged 15–16 across 35 post-primary schools and four Youthreach centres in Galway last November.
A Planet Youth spokesperson outlined the county-specific data, which revealed a 4pc increase in kids who reported they have been drunk in the last 30-days as well as a 4pc increase in pupils drinking in local bars and pubs.
Additionally, 16pc of pupils said their parents or carers are drunk in the home at least once a week, and 66pc said their parent would not care if revealed the pupil got drunk in the last 30 days.
The report then highlights a 10pc increase in pupils spending three or more hours daily on social media apps.
Also, 78pc of pupils in Galway reported they sleep with their phone in their bedroom. The survey shows a correlation between late-night social media use and reduced rest, with many teenagers getting fewer than six hours of sleep each night.
Councillors described the findings as deeply troubling. Cllr Andrew Reddington remarked: “I wouldn’t like to be a young person right now.”
The Fine Gael councillor questioned if in the near future addiction groups will be held for phones rather than drug use and alcohol.
Cllr Martin McNamara asked what role the council should play in responding to the data, particularly in terms of funding safe spaces for young people.
"We get these great people in to tell us this information—how are we using the funding?” he asked his colleagues.
Almost unanimous agreement was found for providing safe and accessible spaces for young people to gather with one another, and for further education about social media and phone use, as well as substance abuse.
Cllr Noel Thomas added that the issue must be acknowledged by authorities nationwide.
The Planet Youth report concludes with recommendations across four key areas: parents and family, peer groups, leisure time, and schools, all aimed at strengthening prevention and support for young people in Galway.