Young New Zealanders seek support via text message

The vast majority of young New Zealanders are reaching out for support through text messages. Photo / Thinkstock

The vast majority of young New Zealanders reaching out for support from Youthline are doing so through text messages.

The youth helpline received 80,085 contacts from young New Zealanders in the past year, with 91 per cent of those coming through text messages.

Text messaging was the easiest way for young people to reach out for help Youthline chief executive Stephen Bell said.

Youthline conducted a survey on the issues young people face and found the five biggest issues facing young people today are alcohol, drugs, bullying, peer pressure and self-esteem.

Youthline compared the survey with the same conducted 14 years ago and found comparatively fewer young people are now smoking cigarettes, binge drinking, trying marijuana and engaging in risk-taking behaviour.

The survey found 15 per cent of calls to Youthline were about depression, 14 per cent about family relationships or peer relationships, and 12 per cent about partner relationships or suicide.

A further 9 per cent of calls to Youthline were about self-harm, 7 per cent about fear and anxiety, 4 per cent about bullying, and 2 per cent about grief and loss, or sexual violence.

"One trend we have highlighted for 2015 is a significant increase in issues related to self-harm and immediate risk of harm from suicide," Mr Bell said.

"Our support teams are also needing to learn more about cultural competency for working with gay and transgender young people."

The number of young people accessing the Youthline service hit 36,000 last year.

Where to get help:
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youth services: (06) 3555 906
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (4pm to 6pm weekdays)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• The Word
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• CASPER Suicide Prevention
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.