One in three Irish young people received no compliments in last month, research finds

Eva Osborne

Over 30 per cent of Ireland’s young people have not received a single compliment in the last month, according to youth mental health charity Jigsaw.

The news comes ahead of the charity's second National Compliment Day on Friday, an annual fundraising event dedicated to using the power of compliments for action so that no young person in Ireland feels alone, fearful or forgotten.

To coincide, Jigsaw has released findings of recently conducted research that highlight a difference between men and women when it comes to the frequency of compliments they receive.

The research found that while 79 per cent of young women between 18 and 25 had received a compliment in the last month, the number among young men of a similar age dropped to just above 50 per cent.

The findings are based on an online survey of 486 young people from 18 to 25 and was carried out in July.

Justin McDermott, fundraising manager with Jigsaw, said: "The research findings paint a tough picture. Against a backdrop of a world that seems hell-bent on tearing itself apart, this year’s National Compliment Day is a small opportunity for us all to come together and do something positive for our young people.

"They deserve better – much better. Today is your opportunity to use the power of compliments for action and to help ensure no young person in Ireland feels alone, fearful or forgotten.”

Now in its second year, Jigsaw’s National Compliment Day gives people the opportunity to support Jigsaw through online donations or in any of Starbuck’s 82 participating nationwide cafes.

Throughout the month of September and October, 250 coffee and compliments coffee mornings will be happening around the country, hosted by volunteers, to raise money for Jigsaw.

"As reported in our Annual Report for 2023, published last month, demand for our services across Ireland continues to soar," Mr McDermott said.

"We have seen a 7 per cent increase in presentations, each with ever-increasing levels of mental health complexity. To maintain our work across communities, we urgently need donations".

Speaking at the launch of National Compliment Day, Aoibhe Smyth, a youth volunteer with Jigsaw, said the world was an increasingly scary place for young people.

"Now more than ever, we need to bring more kindness and compassion into our lives. Jigsaw’s National Compliment Day, is that opportunity; an opportunity to reach out a hand and say I'm with you, I’m here and I care," she said.