What is self-harm?
Self-harm is a term used when someone injures or harms themselves on purpose rather then by accident. It is estimated that seven to 14 per cent of adolescents self-harm at some point in their lives.
The most common methods of self-harm in young people are self-cutting or self-poisoning (taking an overdose) but other examples include self-hitting or burning, pulling hair or picking skin, or self-strangulation.
Other young people may self-harm in less obvious ways, for example the use of alcohol or illicit drugs, or even in indirect ways, like exposing themselves to harm from others.
Hearing that a young person has self-harmed should always prompt those working with them to explore the issue further, as it is serious and can be life threatening.
Who self-harms?
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