Of Tasmanian respondents to the survey, 41.9 per cent identified coping with stress as what they were most worried about, with 18.5 per cent indicating they were “extremely concerned” about this issue, while 23.4 per cent admitted to being “very concerned” about it.

Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the government’s plan to extend high schools to include grade 11 and 12 would assist young people in getting to where they want to be.

“What this study does show is that students need the right support networks to stay on at school and reach their career goals,” he said.

“Our plan to extend all high schools to grade 11 and 12 will help more students stay on at school to get the qualifications they need to get a job, or continue their study and have a better life.

“The government understands the impact mental health issues can have on Tasmanian students and their learning, which is why we invested $17.8 million as part of our Supporting Students package.”

Other issues for the state’s youth in the survey included school or study problems and body image, which both had more than a 30 per cent share as topics of concern.

Nearly one in four respondents said they were either “extremely concerned" or “concerned” about depression. Labor mental health spokeswoman Sarah Lovell said more needed to be done to ensure the mental well being of young people.

“Mental health services for adolescents and young people are severely lacking in Tasmania,” she said.

“There is a lack of suitable clinical services, and long waiting lists to access community based, non-clinical services.

“Priorities for Labor are to work closely with clinicians and service providers to ensure that Tasmania has appropriate mental health services, so that all Tasmanians have the care they need when they need it.”