A child psychologist says it's not a surprise to find nearly a quarter of young people experience high levels of psychological distress.

A new Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission report also reveals a high level of unmet need for Māori and young people. 

Child psychologist Sara Chatwin says life pressures and online content are fuelling issues. 

She says groups really struggling include men, Māori, Pasifika, and youth.

"And showing up consistently in our suicide statistics and all the rest of it - I think we've got a record problem and we're not actually seeing this for what it is." 

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