92 adolescents (mean age 13.8 yrs) at a North Dublin school completed the GHQ - 30 and the attitude to authority scale. A high level of psychological distress (as measured by the GHQ - 30) was found, with 44% of the sample reporting 6 or more symptoms. The majority of students (84%) however expressed pro-authority feelings. A negative correlation was found between the level of distress and positive attitude towards parents. The possible clinical relevance is discussed