The rate of self-harm among young children in the UK has doubled over the last six years according to recent research compiled by the British Broadcasting Corporation.Keith Hawton, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Oxford, told File on 4 the data on self-harm was “in keeping with what we’re finding from our research databases. It’s almost as though the problem is spreading down the age range. One analysis of self-injury behaviour across more than 40 countries found that the average age of the first incident of self-harm is 13 and adolescents have the highest rate of self-injury behaviour. Given the increasing risk that your teen, or one of their friends, will be impacted by self-harm we decided to delve into what it is and how we can better help our adolescents. Resources:https://www.priorygroup.com/media-centre/ten-ways-a-parent-can-help-a-child-avoid-self-harminghttps://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/two-takes-depression/201803/6-tips-reduce-self-harm-in-childrenhttps://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/self-harm/for-friends-and-family/https://www.healthyplace.com/abuse/self-injury/10-ways-people-self-harm-self-injurehttps://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/23/health/mental-health-crisis-teens.html https://www.healthyplace.com/abuse/self-injury/why-pro-self-injury-pro-self-harm-websites-are-dangeroushttps://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/self-harm/self-harm-statistics/HELPLINES:In the UK Samaritans, 116 123In the US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255In Australia the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14www.befrienders.orgSelfharm.co.uk Called Alumina is a free online 7 week course for young people struggling with self-harm Each course has up to 8 people, all at home. You don’t need an adult to sign you up. UK.free online self-harm support for 14-19 year olds.LifeSIGNS.org.uk information to support people who are ready to find new ways to cope. Selfinjurysupport.co.uk offers information and support to women and girls affected. Youngminds.org.uk Zest, counselling and support in Northern Ireland.