The causes of self-harm

The incidence of self-harm is increasing. There are many reasons why children and young people may self-harm. However, the five most frequently reported reasons for self-harming by children and young people are:

  1. Bullying (25%)
  2. Family relationships (17%)
  3. Pressure to do well at school (14%)
  4. Emotional abuse (11%)
  5. Friendships (11%)1

1Source: Survey findings (2014); Online poll carried out by Self-harm.co.uk, Child Line, Youth Net and Young Minds

Angela's and Tim's stories

Angela's story

"I never did well in school – I always had trouble making friends. I also found the lessons hard. The other kids used to make fun and call me slow. I started self-harming when my parents split up and then we moved house and I started a new school. I got bullied badly, they pushed me into doors and punched me; calling me stupid names. They constantly sent me bad stuff on social media and nasty texts about me and my family. I was 14 at the time and I really didn't do well with it. I didn't tell anyone that I was self-harming; no-one would listen anyway."

Tim's story

"I'd get really angry and cutting definitely helps with that. I guess I kind of do it to punish myself as well. You see I just don't like myself most of the time at all and I hate… hate feeling this way. I mean other people don't feel this so why should I? Looking back I guess it all started when my mum couldn't look after me and my brother anymore and we got put into foster care."

[Biographical account read by actors]