With warnings of the threat of ‘stranger danger’ and cyber-bullying, leaving our children to roam free on the internet can be a worrying exercise.

 

Now, new research has shed light on another concerning aspect of internet activity – exposure to self-harm images.

 

According to new statistics released by UK youth charities ChildLine, YouthNet, selfharmUK and YoungMinds, over half (60%) of children aged between 11 and 14 years claim they have been exposed to and shared pictures of people self-harming on social media.

 

The survey, carried out across 2,000 young people between the ages of 11 and 21, also found that almost 80% of 18 to 21 year olds have self-harmed or know someone who has.

 

Commenting on the findings, director of campaigns at YoungMinds Lucie Russell emphasised the concerning nature of the study’s findings.

 

 

“These findings are extremely worrying and beg concerning questions about the relationship between self-harm, children, young people and part of the online world,” she said, adding that exposure to this content is clearly affecting our young people’s health and well-being.

 

Speaking ahead of Self-Harm Awareness Day, taking place in March, chief executive of YouthNet Emma Thomas said that major steps need to be taken to warn young people about the dangers of social media sharing.

 

“Far more must be done to educate and empower young people, so they can be safer online,” she said.

 

This study will undoubtedly prove relevant to parents everywhere, and highlights the need to be extremely vigilant when it comes to our kids' online activity.

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