Those who bully themselves online are nine to 15 times more likely to actually attempt suicide later. This is shown by a current study by Florida Atlantic University ( FAU ), which for the first time scientifically examined the phenomenon of “digital self-harm”, to which more and more young people are falling victim.
Concerns about mental health
“We found a strong connection between digital self-harm and suicidal tendencies. Research already knows that traditional forms of self-harm such as cuts, burns or beatings are linked to suicidal intentions and attempts. But the digital version is still unexplored.”
explains Sameer Hinduja, professor at FAU's School of Criminology and Criminal Justice and co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center . The expert emphasizes that the former is defined as the online posting or sharing of harmful content that someone usually spreads anonymously about themselves on the Internet.
Suicide is the second most common form of death in the 10 to 19 age group. This is only exceeded in statistics by unintentional deaths such as a car accident.
“Legislators, educational institutions and other key stakeholders must become increasingly concerned about the deteriorating mental health of today's youth, who spend more and more of their lives online. The phenomenon of digital self-harm must therefore become a greater focus of research and practical work.”
said Hinduja.
Results as a “serious warning signal”
The scientist sees the results of his investigation as a “serious warning signal”. Around nine percent of adolescents in the USA say that they have already spread harmful content about themselves on the Internet. Another five percent admit to having anonymously insulted and belittled themselves. A full eight percent also admit that they have seriously thought about suicide, while 5.3 percent have actually made a suicide attempt.
“These figures show that there is an urgent need for a rethink in healthcare and to address digital self-harm if we want to address the underlying mental health problems of young people. Parents and guardians need to convince their children that they are there for them when they need help and can help with problems that may later manifest as digital self-harm.”
says Hinduja.
Article image: Pexels
Source: PT
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