Alcohol and drug abuse are some of the biggest issues facing young people in Irish society, the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) has said.
The society was reacting to television report broadcast on RTE's Prime Timeprogramme last night.
The misuse of drugs and alcohol by young people is leading to more aggressive and violent behaviour, more risky sexual activity and poorer school achievement, the ISPCC said.
It said a simple "Say no to alcohol and drugs" message will not work. "Irish society needs to accept that alcohol and drug usage is an everyday challenge for young people and that combined with seeking to prevent usage, education and intervention also needs to focus on preventing misuse," an ISPCC statement said.
"Social isolation, family dysfunction and personal emotional and psychological difficulties are key factors influencing alcohol and drug misuse," the ISPCC said.