Students should seek advice and talk to someone if they are affected by the separation of their parents, it has been claimed.

Speaking to the Irish Times, Francesca McGuinn of Teen Between – an organisation which provides support to young people – said it is important that Junior and Leaving Cert students do not let problems at home jeopardise their education and stop them fulfilling their full potential.

"It is our experience that adolescents are the age group most affected when parental relationships are under strain," she told the newspaper.

According to Ms McGuinn, counselling is becoming increasingly acceptable among young people, with the Teen Between website receiving around 20,000 hits a month.

In related news, TV psychologist TV psychologist David Coleman told the Herald recently that communication is "key" when it comes to teenagers.

Parents should make an effort to discuss issues such as drugs, sex and relationships with their children, he added.

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