Seven midlands schools were involved in the research.
The number of students who start drinking alcohol increases significantly between 2nd and 3rd year, according to a new study.
Research from Maynooth University found 60 percent of students didn't try alcohol from 1st and 2nd year, but this dropped by 17 percent a year later.
Seven midlands schools were among the 19 surveyed over a three year period.
Professor Sinead McGilloway from Maynooth University, who carried out the study, says some students started seeing the negative impacts of excess drinking:
Schools involved:
Westmeath: Our Lady’s Bower, Athlone, and Marist College, Athlone.
Laois: St Mary’s CBS, Portlaoise, and Coláiste Chluain na Slí.
Offaly: Ard Scoil Ciarain, Clara, Gallen Community School, Ferbane, and St Brendan’s Community School, Birr.
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