Self Injury and the Internet
Recent studies have shown that the internet has played a key role in the popularity of cutting among teens. Last year alone there were more than 400 message boards online dedicated to the propagation of self abuse and cutting. These aren’t “support” sites that try to dissuade teens from cutting- they’re support sites where teens encourage each other to keep cutting and help each other ‘get away’ with cutting themselves. This is especially dangerous, because teens who may feel isolated or alone in their day to day life can connect with teens from all over the country who are in similar situations but who are more likely to encourage (rather than discourage) self abusive behaviors.
Self abuse message boards can also teach teen’s new (and more dangerous) ways to harm themselves.