Self-harm is a growing problem among teenagers. One in six teens inflict self-harm, according to a new study. The study, conducted by the University of Michigan, found that self-harm is more common among girls than boys.
The study surveyed nearly 2,000 adolescents between the ages of 11 and 19. Participants were asked about their mental health, whether they had ever harmed themselves, and if so, how often.
Of the teens surveyed, 16 percent said they had harmed themselves at some point. Of those who had harmed themselves, nearly half said they had done so more than once.
Girls were more likely than boys to self-harm. Twenty percent of girls surveyed said they had harmed themselves, compared to 11 percent of boys.
The study did not ask why teens were harming themselves, but previous research has suggested that self-harm can be a way to cope with difficult emotions. It can also be a way to express anger or frustration.
Self-harm is often a sign of underlying mental health problems. If you are harming yourself, it is important to get help from a mental health professional.
If your teen is harming themselves, it is important to get help from a mental health professional. You can also use parental control software like Smart Protect to monitor your teen's internet use and help prevent them from accessing harmful content.
No parent, especially an enlightened, modern parent, wants to accuse their teen of using drugs or drinking. And some parent may feel inclined to sweep odd behaviour under the rug, rather than confront their child and ‘be the bad guy’.
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