Almost 40% of Irish young people will go online for support before talking to a doctor about mental health difficulties according to a new survey.

ReachOut a support network for teenagers says 60% would go to a website for support when going through a tough time.

ReachOut CEO Elaine Geraghty said “It’s clear that more young people are looking for support online. This highlights the importance of providing a comprehensive and trusted support hub online for young people to turn to when they need it, and that’s what ReachOut aims to do.

The organisation has released the survey as part of a review of their services between 2011 and 2015.

It is being published ahead of a conference on technology and mental well being on Wednesday, September 14.