The internet may be able to play an important role in suicide prevention, an international conference in Co Kerry will hear this week.
The International Suicide Conference in Killarney will focus on the topic 'Suicide and the Internet' on Tuesday.
Guest speakers will include representatives of the social networking website Bebo and the Irish Internet Providers' Association.
Angela Kerins, Rehab
Rehab, which organised the seminar, said it did so because of the high numbers of completed suicides and reported deliberate self-harm in the 15-24 age group, a section of the population with high internet usage.
Chief executive of Rehab Angela Kerins said: "There has been much controversy in recent years about the negative and sinister role that the internet plays in the growing rates of suicide in this country, particularly among young people.
"While it is important that we are aware of the dangers of the internet, when it comes to suicide prevention, the internet has an essential role to play in reaching out to the most vulnerable in our society, those who feel most forgotten and alone."
Ms Kerins said international research clearly indicates that the internet is increasingly being used as a source of information on a wide variety of health issues, including mental health.
"The anonymity and accessibility of the internet may allay young people's concerns about seeking help, especially their fear about lack of confidentiality and a need for autonomy.
"Instant online counseling provided by trained personnel from reputable organisations, regulated web-chats, youth-focused websites and self-help interventions are all valuable online resources that have a hugely positive role to play in preventing suicide and promoting mental health," she said.
Dr John Connolly of the Irish Association of Suicidology said that on the whole the internet is a "tremendous resource for education and help on issues relating to suicide and how to deal with them".
"It is a great information source on health issues and the promotion of positive mental health which is very important in any suicide prevention strategy."
The seminar forms part of the pre-conference programme for the XXIV World Congress of the International Association for Suicide Prevention, hosted for the first time by the Irish Association of Suicidology, which runs from August 28 thto September 1 st.