Mr King spoke to about 120 people at the Dunedin City New Life Church, as part of a four-week campaign aimed at countering youth suicide and ''empowering communities to connect with youth who are struggling''.
Mr King and seven others are riding Suzuki 50cc bikes from Cape Reinga to Bluff to raise awareness, encourage openness and to listen without judgement when others come to them seeking help.
In the latest stop on his ''I Am Hope Tour'', Mr King said many parents now faced big pressures in the home, and often both parents were expected to work.
Everyone could hear the voice of an ''inner critic'' within, but countering any negative internal commentary was more difficult if youngsters had been unable to establish a sense of confidence about who they were.
He emphasised the importance of parents avoiding over-judgemental comments, even when this came from love and concern.
When children explained what had happened at school earlier that day. four of the five things mentioned were often ''fantastic'', but if the fifth element was negative, such as that a school test had been failed, there was a tendency for parents to overemphasise and dwell on the negative.
''We need to do a better job,'' he said.
''Self esteem is the fence at the top and we need to be building fences.''
Often young people felt they could not seek help from adults if they had problems, and it was important for parents not to respond too negatively to small things which were ultimately of minor importance, he said.
Mr King's presentation was highly interactive, and he often asked audience members to indicate shared experiences or thoughts by asking them to raise their hands.
Two people who had faced major life challenges also spoke about their experiences and how they had managed to reach the sunlight at the other side of darkness.
Need help?
Healthline 0800 611 116
Lifeline Aotearoa 0800 543 354
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Samaritans 0800 726 666
Alcohol Drug Helpline 0800 787 797
General mental health inquiries: 0800 44 33 66
The Depression Helpline 0800 111 757
Youthline 0800 376 633 txt 234 or talk@youthline.co.nz
Youthline Otago 0800 673 366 or text 234
