Scotland could face an "imminent mental health storm" if action is not taken to help youngsters who are feeling lonely.

The Mental Health Foundation has found 51% of 18 to 24-year-olds experience depression when they feel lonely, while 42% suffered anxiety problems.

Some 67% admitted their mental health worsened as a result of feeling lonely.

With the Scottish Government announcing 2018 as the Year of Young People, the charity says health and well-being must take priority in education.

Its research shows technology, including social media, could be making youth isolation worse.

More than 80% of young people said spending time face-to-face with others improves their mental health.

In contrast, 30% said technology causes them to feel more isolated.

There is still significant stigma surrounding loneliness, with 46% of young people saying they would be too embarrassed to talk to anyone about it.

Isabella Goldie, director of development and delivery at the Mental Health Foundation, said: "Loneliness among younger people is hugely under-reported but our research is clear that social isolation affects the mental health of young people more than any other age group.

"Our children are finding life harder to navigate than previous generations and, worryingly, they are living with high levels of distress. This is something we can no longer choose to ignore."

She added: "If the Scottish Government is serious about making 2018 the Year of Young People then it must place health and well-being at the heart of the school curriculum - not at the sidelines as it currently is.

"It needs to invest in school-based counselling and give teachers the training they need to create inclusive environments and explore mental health.

"Too many of our young people are not thriving and unless we act now we will face an imminent mental health storm."

2095 people were surveyed.