Almost nine out of 10 (86 per cent) young people search the internet for help with their problems rather than speaking to family or friends, according to a survey released yesterday.

Researchers found more than half (53 per cent) of the youngsters who used the internet said the information they found made them more worried than they were initially.

Only a fifth (18 per cent) said they would double check information they found online with a friend or parent.

The survey was commissioned by Get Connected, a free confidential helpline for under-25s.

Andrew McKnight, chairman of its board of trustees, said: "These results show that there is a need for young people to be able to verify the information that they find online, and in many cases that the vast amount of information available on the internet seems to exacerbate their personal worries further.

"As a society we have become increasingly reliant on the internet as a first point of reference for a lot of information, and it is crucial that we make Britain's young people aware of exactly where they can turn to for dependable information and support. Get Connected is the safe gateway to these services."