The number of boys seeking advice from ChildLine counsellors in Northern Ireland has more than doubled in the last five years, the NSPCC revealed today.
Bullying was the problem aired most frequently, according to the children's charity which operates the service.
Other issues raised by the almost 3,000 boys who called the Belfast centre in the last 12 months included family relationship problems, physical and sexual abuse as well as the facts of life.
The calls came from across the UK, with each regional NSPCC phone centre working as part of a nationwide effort.
Girls still ring ChildLine more frequently but the charity said the fact more boys feel comfortable to get in touch should be welcomed.
ChildLine assistant director in Northern Ireland, Paddy Shannon, said: "The increase in the number of boys calling ChildLine could be due to notions of masculinity changing, meaning that there's no longer so much pressure to be macho, which has led to more boys feeling able to ask for help.
"However we still get far fewer calls from boys than girls, so we need to reach out to boys and encourage them to speak out.
"Not all the boys tell us whether they have spoken out about their problems before. But nearly half of those who did said they hadn't told anyone before calling ChildLine.
"The research would suggest that there is a need for alternative and innovative ways to engage with boys and their problems. So in response, the NSPCC aims to develop the existing ChildLine and NSPCC Helpline services to offer additional support through new technologies, such as the web and mobile phones."
In order to do this, the charity hopes to raise an extra £50 million through its Child's Voice Appeal over the next three years in addition to £30 million already pledged by the UK Government so that ChildLine can try to answer every call for help.