A website has been launched for young people who feel too shy to ask a doctor for advice on sex, drugs and other health issues.
The site www.youthhealthne.ie was developed by the North Eastern Health Board after consultation with young people in Cos Louth, Meath, Monaghan and Cavan.
The site includes information and advice on sexual health, drugs and alcohol, smoking, depression, bullying, assertiveness, eating disorders, personal safety and physical safety as research shows that many young people are reluctant to ask their doctor for such advice, according to Monica McCrory, the health board's youth development officer.
"Some young people are too embarrassed to talk to their family doctor about sexual health.
"They don't feel comfortable talking to an adult or maybe they find the doctor offputting, as he might be someone known to their parents.
"They might be worried about confidentiality or perhaps they just don't know who to ask about some health issues.
"We hope the website will provide the answers in a confidential and youth friendly manner," she says.
The website incorporates a "traffic light" system which enables further information to be accessed at the touch of a button.
"The red light deals with questions that need an urgent answer, the amber light is for less serious situations and the green light provides general information, including the services available in the region," says Ms McCrory.
The website was launched yesterday at ╙ Fiach College in Dundalk by health board CEO Dr Hugh Dolan.