Online self-harm involves harmful content targeted at oneself. As part of digital self-harm, one can create harmful content about oneself or post abusive comments on one’s content, either anonymously or through a ghost account.
Self-distress or indirect communication of psychological distress are possible purposes. Middle and high school students are prone to digital self-harm. Researchers examined the experiences of 5,500 students between 12 and 17 in a 2017 study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health. The survey found:
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- About 35% practiced digital self-harm.
- 13% said they had done it often.
- Cyberbullying victims self-troll more often.
- Self-trolling is more common among boys.
- Girls self-trolled as a way to cope with psychological pain, while boys did it for fun or attention.
- Digital self-harm is associated with depression, behavioral problems, and other forms of self-harm.
Evolution Of Digital Self-Harm
The conversation about digital self-harm sparked after the death of Hanna Smith, 14, who committed suicide in 2013 due to online self-harm. It was later learned that she was a victim of cyberbullying. Digital self-harm has been on the rise since 2017.
Adolescents are particularly prone to it, though it can affect anyone. This resulted in Instagram filtering negative comments thought to be caused by cyberbullying or digital self-harm.
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Signs To Look Out For
Studies found that bullying is often associated with digital self-harm, drug use, depressive symptoms, and physical self-harm. Look for signs of digital self-harm, like any other signs of psychological pain. Start by noticing behavioral changes in your child.
Among others, look for loss of interest, changes and withdrawals from friends, and changes in sleep, appetite, grades, or school participation. Openly communicating with your child without judgment is crucial in these times.
Communication helps in understanding your child and their mood swings. Talk to your child whenever you’re worried about self-harm. It will not trigger suicide attempts or self-harm.