Four out of five young people feel the general population has a negative view of them.

A new study of 15 to 24-year-olds - commissioned by Electric Ireland - has found one in three suffer from a lack in confidence.

According to the survey, 57% of those questioned feel the media has contributed to the negative perception of them.

The report was carried out to mark the company's links to the St Vincent de Paul Youth Development programme.

Electric Ireland's Niall Dineen says the programme has shown real benefits for young people:

"57% say it made them more confident, 62% say it made them more aware of social justice, 48% more ready to help other people and 39% said the programme made them more job ready."