Young people are texting for help more than phoning, a counselling helpline says.
Youthline was contacted by young people seeking support more than 80,000 times last year and 91 percent were via text message.
Chief executive Stephen Bell said says the biggest barrier to asking for help was embarrassment and sending a text to the Youthline service had made it a lot easier for young people to reach out.
The top five issues were alcohol, drugs, bullying, peer pressure and self-esteem, Mr Bell said. The service's support teams were also learning more about working with gay and transgender young people.
