At 17, most of the group who had perceived discrimination felt that this was related to their age (63 per cent), followed by appearance (54 per cent) and gender (40 per cent). Gender is the most cited ground for discrimination at 25 (41 per cent of those who perceive discrimination).

These findings are based on data collected by the Growing Up in Ireland study that interviewed young people born in 1998 when they were 17 and 25 years old. Perceived discrimination is assessed using the Everyday Discrimination Scale (EDS) which measures how often participants perceive day-to-day experiences such as being “treated with less courtesy or respect” or being “threatened or harassed”. The analysis finds that the average EDS score decreases between the age of 17 and 25.

Considering their prior level of wellbeing and health at 17, the research also found that those who reported having experienced discrimination at age 25 had lower levels of life satisfaction, subjective general health, and self-esteem. In addition, higher perceived discrimination is associated with a higher probability of depression and problematic alcohol consumption.

Other key findings include:

• Gender differences: At age 17, young men recorded higher scores in the Everyday Discrimination Scale than young women, but this switched around at 25. At 17, young men were more likely to report that “people act as if they are afraid of you” and that they were “threatened or harassed.”
• Factors associated with higher discrimination scores: At age 25, similar to 17, young people who identify as lesbian/gay, bisexual, asexual and questioning (LGBA+) have higher discrimination scores. At 25, young people from a minority ethnicity have higher scores on the Everyday Discrimination Scale. Young people with a disability experience higher discrimination at both age 17 and 25.
• Health: Higher perceived discrimination at age 25 is associated with lower odds of ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’ general health, taking into consideration the general health reported at 17.
• Both the level of self-esteem and life satisfaction are negatively associated with the perceived level of discrimination at 25.
• Higher perceived discrimination is associated with a higher probability of experiencing depression symptoms and reporting levels of harmful alcohol consumption.

Eva Slevin, co-author of the report, said: “It is concerning to see the high percentage of young people who feel they are discriminated against, and the continued level of discrimination experienced by marginalised groups. These experiences are associated with poorer mental health and well-being outcomes. Better resourcing for youth mental health and wellbeing services, and strong policy to prevent discrimination in education, work, online and in other settings is of vital importance.”

Norma Foley, minister for children, disability and equality, said: “This study highlights that many young people feel singled out or unfairly treated, particularly those with disabilities, those who identify as LGBTIQ+ and those from minority ethnic backgrounds. This is a worrying finding, and one that this Government is working to change. My department is currently implementing a suite of national strategies aimed at advancing equality, inclusion, and human rights.

These, and other strategies are part of a whole-of-Government approach to embedding equality in our society. It is my sincere hope that the young people from this study will benefit from the opportunities and improvements that these strategies will bring about and that future generations will grow up in a more welcoming and inclusive society.”