Report Finds NI Teens 'Happy With Their Lives'

A new report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has found that most Northern Irish teenagers are 'happy with their lives'.

According to the report, on a scale of 0 – 10, teenagers in NI reported an average satisfaction rate of 7.24, which the report claims makes them "more satisfied with their lives than their counterparts elsewhere in the UK".

The report's findings are based on a survey of 540,000 students in over 70 countries.

While the report found that teenagers here are generally satisfied with their lives, exams and bullying are the main concerns facing young people.

It is understood that up to 70% of students are "very anxious" ahead of exams, even when they claim to be well prepared – this figure is above the OECD average of 55%.

The report also raised concerns over heavy internet use, which it said leaves many teenagers "lonely and less satisfied".

The report can be read in full on the OECD website.

(MH/JP)