The NSPCC called today for properly funded resources to tackle mental health problems among the young.
More than a quarter of the 550 youngsters who contacted Childline in the North last year about mental health problems were girls who talked about suicide, said the children's charity.
Problems highlighted in the calls included eating disorders, depression, sexual and physical abuse, bullying, family troubles and living with someone who has a mental illness.
It revealed children as young as eight contacted Childline last year talking about suicide. Some of the children rang the charity helpline while actually trying to kill themselves, it revealed.
Although three times as many girls rang to talk about suicide, males are twice as likely to actually commit suicide.
Paddy Shannon, director of Childline Northern Ireland said: "When young people talk about suicide, they are obviously in deep despair. They are at crisis point with no one else to turn to, which is why they call us."
He said they were able to give immediate support to the children who had clearly been going through a terrifying experience.
PA