Cyberbullying is among many factors adding to pressures on some young people, a recent discussion paper on youth suicide suggests.
The paper, by the Prime Minister's chief science adviser, Sir Peter Gluckman, says youth suicide is ''more than simply a mental health issue''.
Prof Gluckman said there should be ''an emphasis on primary prevention very early in life''.
''This means promoting resilience to the inevitable exposure to emotional stresses, and building self-control skills in early childhood and primary school years,'' Prof Gluckman said.
New Zealand's youth suicide mortality rate in 2010 was 15.6 per 100,000 adolescents aged 15 to 19, the highest among reported OECD rates.
Prof Gluckman said there was growing evidence for online bullying leading to self-harm.
Cyberbullying was less avoidable than other bullying because of the ubiquity of social media and was less able to be detected or monitored by parents or teachers.
The paper was prepared by Prof Gluckman with input from science advisers from several government ministries, including Prof Richie Poulton, an adviser for the Ministry of Social Development who also directs the University of Otago's Dunedin Study.
Before the advent of the internet, the public humiliation experienced through bullying had often been limited by the relatively small number of people who might have witnessed an incident in one particular place, Prof Poulton said yesterday.
But bullying via the internet could be witnessed by people throughout a community or even ''nationwide'', he said.
Prof Poulton emphasised the importance of starting to teach ''impulse control'' and ''emotional regulation'' from an early age, including at preschool and primary school.
This would help young people deal with stress better, later in their lives.
As well as learning emotional resilience, young people also needed to know ''they can go somewhere and get some help''.
Prof Poulton also highlighted research by Otago psychology researcher Dr Dione Healey, who has been assessing the effectiveness of a novel early-intervention programme.
This uses games and exercise to develop self-control skills among hyperactive preschoolers.
Need help?
Healthline: 0800 611 116
Lifeline Aotearoa: 0800 543 354
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Samaritans: 0800 726 666
Alcohol Drug Helpline: 0800 787 797
General mental health inquiries: 0800 44 33 66
The Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757
Youthline: 0800 376 633 txt 234 or talk@youthline.co.nz
What's Up (for 5-18 year olds; 1pm-11pm): 0800 942 8787
Kidsline (aimed at children up to age 14; 4pm-6pm weekdays): 0800 54 37 54 (0800 kidsline)
Rainbow youth (LGBTQ youth helpline): (09) 3764155
