The survey of 500 young Australians shows more than 65 per cent cited “ensions between family members” as a factor that made them feel negative about Christmas – up from 58 per cent from last year.

Everyone should be mindful that families should be supporting each other over Christmas, rather than letting tensions simmer over into arguments and other disputes.

This survey clearly shows that many young people approach Christmas with trepidation, rather than excitement.

The survey shows that, for 24 per cent of young people, Christmas made them feel depressed (slightly down from 27 per cent) and for 33 per cent, Christmas made them feel worse than usual.

One positive was that the number of young people who would be happy if Christmas was cancelled was down from 19 per cent last year to 16 per cent this year.

The survey sends a message to parents that the wellbeing of young people is more vulnerable than they might think over the Christmas period.

The message to parents is clear: at this time of year, young people need more than just presents, they need support.

For the first time, the survey also reveals just how much young people are turning to social media at Christmas to connect with loved ones, and also deal with some of the pressures.

More than 86 per cent of young people said they would be using social media on Christmas Day,

62 per cent said they used social media to escape family tensions and 54 per cent said they used it to help them feel less lonely.

We know about the dangers of social media, but this survey also shows that it’s an important tool for coping with difficult situations.

headspace is committed to providing another avenue of online support through our eheadspace service, which gives young people the option of someone else to talk to over webchat or the telephone.

Confidential 24-hour support for young people can be accessed at eheadspace.org.au