Study: More Teens Are Engaging In Internet Self-Harm

Digital self-harm has increased 88% among American teens since 2016, a Florida Atlantic University study found. In 2021, 12% of American teens anonymously posted hurtful content about themselves. Those who insult themselves online are more likely to be female, have experienced cyberbullying themselves, and are more likely to be non-White. Teens may engage in self-bullying to appear tough or as a way to express their pain through the internet. “It’s essential that parents, educators and mental health professionals working with young people extend support to all targets of online abuse,” Dr. Sameeer Hinduja said. (Study Finds)