UPDATED 7.56am: A call that tackling online bullying and harassment of men should be a focal point in reducing our suicide rate.

Figures from Norton by Symantec show 72 percent of Kiwi men under the age of 30 have experienced online harassment of some kind.

At the same time, official statistics show about 400 men take their own lives every year.

Norton by Symantec's security expert Mark Shaw said cyber abuse is a growing cause of suicide. 

"One of the things we did see out of the survey is evidence between online harassment and the likes of depression and suicide. When you've got a suicide rate like New Zealand has, which is not to be envied, the link between online harassment and suicide is definitely there."

This follows the company's analysis of online bullying of women last month which showed the same proportion of young women are abused.

Mr Shaw said it's clear cyber bullying doesn't have a demographic.

"Both men and women where absolutely impacted by online harassment. A large disproportion of men to women were actually sweeping it under the covers. A she'll be right kind of attitude. Women on the other hand were being impacted, but were tending to have more of an emotional impact."

Meanwhile teenagers struggling with depression will be able to get more help online, but are being warned its not a silver bullet.

About 1 in 4 young people experience depression and our youth suicide rate is one of the highest in the OECD.

Now analysis by the government's social policy evaluation and research unit shows teenagers with mild to moderate issues can benefit from online services.

But unit's chief executive Clare Ward said there's still problems with digital help.

"There is an issue thinking about how do you manage the quality. It's sort of quality assurance and that's not easy to do when you're talking about digital tools.

"People with mental health problems still should be connected to the health system as well. The evidence suggests if you use them in isolation or use them for the wrong thing then they're not going to be effective anyway."

Are you affected by an issue in this article? Here's where to get help:

Lifeline - 0800 543 354
Suicide Crisis Helpline (open 24/7) - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
Samaritans - 0800 726 666
Youthline (open 24/7) - 0800 376 633. Text 234 for free between 8am and midnight, or email [email protected].

0800 WHATSUP (0800 9428 787), Open between 1pm and 10pm on weekdays and from 3pm to 10pm on weekends. Online chat is available from 7pm to 10pm every day at www.whatsup.co.nz.

Healthline - 0800 611 116
For more information about support and services available to you, contact the Mental Health Foundation's free Resource and Information Service on 09 623 4812 during office hours or email [email protected]

If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.