Commentary

Social Media Blamed For Rise In Teen Self-Harm

Psychological pressure associated with social media is contributing to an increase in self-harming behavior among teenagers, according to a new report from the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, a UK charity. The NSPCC warned of social media’s negative psychological impact after government data showed a big uptick in reports of self-harm by Britain’s National Health System (NHS).

According to the NSPCC, data obtained from the NHS showed that the number of children and teens ages 11-18 admitted to British hospitals for self-harm increased 14% from 16,416 in 2013-2014 to 18,778 in 2015-2016; examples of self-harm include cutting, overdosing on pills or burning themselves. Teens ages 13-17 were the most heavily represented within this group.  

The NSPCC attributed this uptick in teen self-harm at least in part to stress associated with social media, which creates unreasonable expectations in areas like success and appearance, as well as enabling cyber-bullying and other forms of negative online behavior.

NSPCC chief executive Peter Wanless stated: “It is vital we confront the fact that an increasing number are struggling to deal with the pressures and demands of modern-day life, to such an extent they are inflicting terrible damage upon themselves… We know this unhappiness is partly due to the constant pressure they feel, particularly from social media, to have the perfect life or attain a certain image which is often unrealistic.”

Wanless added: “They tell us that the need to keep up with friends and the 24/7 nature of technology means they feel they can never escape or switch off, adding to the misery that many feel on a daily basis.”

Previously, a study carried out by UK Office of National Statistics found that children ages 10-15 who spend more than three hours a day on social media were significantly more likely to experience mental health problems than those who spent less than three hours on social media (27% versus 11%).
1 comment about "Social Media Blamed For Rise In Teen Self-Harm ".
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  1. Douglas Ferguson from College of Charleston, December 9, 2016 at 3:08 p.m.

    The report's phrase "at least in part" seems to deflate the story's headline.

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