The parents of two teenagers who took their own lives have gone public with their stories, hoping to save others from suicide.

Katikati College students Michael Powell and Harley Gillespie, both aged 15, died within a week of each other. Their parents say their deaths were completely out of the blue.

Now those parents want to raise awareness of issues surrounding youth suicide and encourage teenagers to discuss their problems. They say there are widespread depression campaigns for adults, but nothing aimed at youth.

Police are investigating whether text or internet bullying contributed to the boys' deaths.