The Internet contains a large amount of websites devoted to self harm. These include information sites, forums and chat rooms. While some of these sites offer advice and support to people engaged in self harming behaviour, others actively encourage it. Parents need to be aware of the varied content of such sites, and understand how they could influence vulnerable young people.

Self harming involves an individual engaging in behaviour that physically injures them in some way. This can take many different forms, such as the individual scratching, cutting or burning their skin, hitting themselves against objects, taking a drug overdose, or swallowing or putting other things inside themselves. Self harming is not an attempt to commit suicide. In actual fact it is often described as a coping mechanism, meaning it is more related to survival than suicide.

Self harm is a way of expressing very deep distress. Often, people don't know why they self harm. It's a means of communicating what can't be put into words or even into thoughts, and has been described as an inner scream. Afterwards, people feel more able to cope with life again, for a while. The distress felt by the person which leads them to self harm may be caused by a variety of situations. Young people who engage in self harming behaviour are more likely to suffer from low self-esteem, and be generally depressed and/or anxious. They have often had very difficult or painful experiences or relationships. These may include bullying, losing someone close to them such as a parent, brother, sister or friend, lack of love and affection or neglect by parents or carers, or physical or sexual abuse. Other young people may start to self harm as a way of coping with everyday problems and pressures, like from family, school and peer groups.

Hate related content can come in different forms and is mostly generated by other internet users and groups. It can represent intolerant political (e.g. neo-Nazi), religious (e.g. anti-Jewish, Moslem or Christian) or personal (e.g. anti-gay) attitudes alongside a range of other extreme viewpoints (e.g. survivalist or conspiracy groups.) Sometimes it is presented as the real ‘truth’ or ‘facts’ about a target-group, whilst using incorrect or misleading information to encourage hostility towards them. Sometimes it is more open, simply saying that it is ok to be hostile or prejudiced because of something unacceptable or threatening about the target-group. Sometimes it is simply direct abuse aimed at individuals in online spaces.

Chat rooms and forums enable anonymous discussion of taboo topics, such as self harm, at any time. Many dedicated self harm related chat rooms and forums exist on the Internet, and some people may experience relief from urges to self harm by sharing their feelings and thoughts with others online. Use of such chat rooms and forums may provide an individual with constructive help and support from others who understand their feelings. Similarly, by offering advice to others experiencing similar emotions, the individual may begin to understand their own feelings better. Self harm sites can also contain links to help organizations offering telephone or email contact for those seeking help.

Some websites and chat rooms actively encourage self harm, and members of forums may encourage other users. Such sites may provide potentially dangerous resources like guides about obtaining and using tools of self harm, and methods of self harm. A number of sites graphically discuss methods of self harm, and the information on some of these sites can be potentially very upsetting and damaging. On the more extreme sites, self harm is presented as a natural and acceptable way of coping with current difficulties. Alternative ways of seeking help, support or counselling are not discussed.

Encourage your children to talk openly about their emotions and experiences. Be aware that teenage years can be incredibly difficult, and offer your children support and guidance to help them through. Be aware of the symptoms of depression, which could lead to self harming behaviour. For more information, see the following website: Health topics

The following fact sheet may also be of use: Fact sheet

While self harming is a very serious issue, it is important to realize that there are many organizations available that can offer professional and confidential advice, both to the sufferer and their friends and family. This is demonstrated by the number of websites and contact numbers listed below. These invaluable resources have helped countless people in the past, and will continue to offer these services to those who require them in the future.

If you are concerned that your child may be self harming, then the following organisations and websites may be of use. They provide advice and guidance regarding recognising self harming, how to approach the subject with your child, and what help is available.
Siari
Mind
Parent line plus
National Self-harm NetworkNational Self-harm Network (NHSN) PO Box 7264, Nottingham NG1 6WJ website:
SamaritansThe Samaritans - telephone: 08457 90 90 90 (UK), 1850 60 90 90 (ROI).
Young MindsYoung Minds Parents information service - telephone: 0800 018 2138,

NCH
RCPSYCH
Self Harm

For those of you want to report something now – go straight to our report abuse page. Occasionally when using the internet or a mobile phone you may see, receive or experience something which causes you concern. You might, for instance, receive an e-mail which is offensive or abusive. You may experience harassment online, spam advertising, or content you find offensive such as pornography, or pro-anorexia sites. Alternatively you may think you have been the victim of a crime such as identity theft or online fraud. In such situations it is important to know to whom you can report issues. This section introduces you to some of the main organisations who offer help and advice on internet safety issues.