The results of a new survey have revealed one in five children in Ireland have gone to school or bed hungry because there was not enough food at home.

According to the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children Survey 2010, younger kids and those from lower social class groups were significantly more likely to go without food.

The findings show a four per cent increase on the 17 per cent of children who reported such instances in a similar survey conducted in 2006.

However, fewer youngsters admit to regularly smoking and consuming alcohol, with figures declining by nine per cent and four per cent respectively.

Meanwhile, cannabis use has also fallen, with eight per cent stating they used the drug in the previous 12 months,compared with 16 per cent in 2006.

Other health related measures assessed in the report include physical activity, tooth brushing, weight control, sexual behaviour, fighting and bullying, use of electronic communication and television and computer use.

Written by Donal Walsh

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