One in five teenagers is drinking weekly by the time they are in fifth year in school, according to a new study.
The researchers said "significant bingeing" was evident at that stage and that there was little difference between boys and girls in their drinking patterns.
When they reach the Leaving Cert class of sixth year, 92pc are drinking and one in four is consuming alcohol weekly.
The study – carried out by researchers in UCD and published in 'Psychiatry Professional' – followed the drinking habits and mental health of more than 6,000 pupils aged 12 to 19 in 72 secondary schools.
They warned that teenagers who drink are at increased risk of developing mental-health problems, including emotional and behavioural difficulties.
It emerged that 11pc of the teenagers had symptoms of mild depression and a similar percentage had moderate depression.
Source: Eilish O'Regan, Irish Independent, 04/04/13
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