The survey conducted by Mission Australia asked a group of 2184 young Tasmanians, aged 11 to 19, to rank 15 issues.

Physical and sexual abused scored highest with 27.1 per cent of those surveyed picking it in their top three.

Suicide followed in second with 25.9 per cent with drugs appearing in the top three of 25.5 per cent.

Mission Australia Tasmanian state director Noel Mundy said today the result highlighted the importance of its new wellbeing service, Gateway.

Gateway has operated since July.

``Mission Australia believes that all children should experience a safe, healthy and happy childhood, and recognises that some families find it difficult to provide a safe and nurturing environment in which children can thrive and create a solid foundation for success,'' Mr Mundy said.

``To date through the new Gateway Services we are working with 402 families, which equates to providing care and assistance to 903 Tasmanian children.''

The survey results were officially released in Hobart this morning.