Ways to tackle sexuality online and body image are among some of the issues which will be discussed during a special conference in Dublin today.

The event is being organised by the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) and aims to explore ways to deal with tackling sexism online, gender, transgender and sexuality along with media and body image.

The Children's Minister Dr James Reilly is opening today's event.

Speaking at the event Anne Walsh, coordinator of the No Hate Movement in Ireland said: "Of the issues emerging from today’s conference, one cuts across all the other gender related topics up for discussion: sexism online."

In his keynote address to the conference, Ruairi Mc Kiernan - founder of youth website SpunOut.ie - said: "There's no doubt there is a problem with issues like hate speech, bullying, and racism online. There is also more and more discussion about the gender dynamics of online behaviour."

"If we want to understand why issues like violence and gender inequality exist, then we need to look to the underlying issues. There is a lot of focus on women's issues these days but less so on men's. Many men in my view are calling out for help. The fact that men make up 80% of suicides speaks for itself."

"One key aspect of this is that younger men often aren't adequately mentored and supported as they enter adulthood. This needs attention, and in particular young men need to go through some form of rites of passage," he added.

Daniel Meister is communications manager with the NYCI and outlines some of the key problems.