Summary of Key Points
This report, based on a large-scale study published in *JAMA Pediatrics* in 2026, highlights the severe nature of the global youth self-harm crisis: In high-income countries, the rate of adolescents seeking medical treatment for self-harm increases by 3.5% annually, with the growth rate for girls being three times that of boys. In China, one in every four teenagers has experienced self-harm, with a particularly high incidence among rural left-behind children. Self-harm is not an attempt to die; rather, it is a extreme way for children to alleviate their emotions through physical pain. However, it serves as a warning sign for subsequent suicide or premature death. The underlying causes include imbalances in brain development during adolescence, the negative impact of social media, and emotional neglect at home. Interventions should aim to de-stigmatize self-harm, employ scientific therapies such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and involve support from multiple levels—family, school, and policy.
1. Breaking the Myth: Self-Harm ≠ Desire to Die, but It Is a Warning Sign
Many people assume that when a child self-harms, they are trying to end their life. In fact, most cases of self-harm are non-suicidal; the child does not intend to die but uses methods like cutting or scratching to relieve their emotions. This is similar to someone biting their nails under stress, only in a more extreme form.
However, this does not mean it’s harmless. Studies show that adolescents who have experienced self-harm have a reduced lifespan of 11-18 years, and 20% of them die prematurely or attempt suicide/accidentally. They also have a much higher risk of committing suicide later in life. Self-harm can be seen as an “emotional alarm” signaling that the child is saying, “I am in pain, but I don’t know how to express it.” If ignored, the alarm will continue to sound louder.
There’s also what’s known as the “iceberg theory”: Suicide deaths are like the tip of an iceberg; self-harm that leads to hospitalization is just the part above water, while much more hidden self-harm (such as scratches on sleeves) remains unseen and unreported.
2. Global and Chinese Perspectives
The rate of self-harm is on the rise worldwide. In China, one in every four children experiences self-harm:
- Global Situation: Self-harm rates are increasing in 12 high-income countries, including the UK, US, and Australia. In England, there are 42 cases per 10,000 people aged 10-24; in the US, emergency visits related to self-harm peaked at 69 cases. Australia has enacted laws banning social media use for those under 16 to curb this trend. The situation is more severe for girls, with a growth rate three times that of boys.
- Chinese Situation: A 2023 study found an overall prevalence of 24.7% among teenagers, with the highest rates among high school students (32.8%) and lower school students (29.3%). Unlike in the West, the self-harm rates for both girls and boys are similar in China due to the high academic pressure and societal expectations that emotions should be suppressed (e.g., “boys should be strong,” “girls should be well-behaved”). Rural left-behind children are more prone to self-harm due to a lack of parental emotional support.
3. Why Do Adolescents Self-Harm?
The underlying reasons are quite profound:
- Adolescent Brain Development: The brain areas responsible for emotions and impulses mature earlier, while those responsible for impulse control and risk assessment do not fully develop until around age 25. This leads to a lack of effective emotional regulation.
- Pain as a Relief: Physical pain can temporarily relieve emotional distress. When a child cuts themselves, the brain releases endorphins, which provide temporary relief. Over time, the body becomes dependent on this mechanism, leading to repeated self-harm episodes.
- A Sense of Control: Psychological pain (e.g., loneliness or shame) is intangible and uncontrollable, while physical pain is tangible and can be controlled by the child. Self-harm gives them a sense of control in a chaotic situation.
4. Key Factors Contributing to Self-Harm
- Social Media: It serves both as a source of stress and a platform for imitation. Excessive use (more than 3 hours daily) increases the risk, as children compare their lives to others’ “perfect” ones, leading to feelings of inferiority and anxiety.
- Family: Emotional neglect is more harmful than physical violence. Children need emotional support; when their needs are ignored, they may resort to self-harm.
- Academic Pressure: High academic demands can increase the risk of self-harm.
- Sleep Deprivation: Lack of sleep can exacerbate stress-related issues.
- Traumatic Experiences: Such as domestic violence or school bullying also contribute to self-harm.
5. How to Help Children?
- Avoid Blaming: Instead of criticizing, acknowledge their pain and offer support.
- Scientific Interventions: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can teach children to identify and manage their emotions, find healthy ways to express them, and improve communication skills.
- De-Stigmatization: Treat self-harm as a legitimate issue rather than a sign of weakness or rebellion.
- Family and School Collaboration: Schools should be vigilant for signs of self-harm (e.g., changes in behavior), and parents should spend time understanding their children’s feelings.
- Policy Support: Governments should ban social media use for under-16s, address cyberbullying, and improve algorithms to reduce the spread of self-harm content.
In conclusion, adolescent self-harm is not an isolated issue but a warning from our times. Children’s mental health deserves as much attention as their physical well-being. If you or someone you know is experiencing self-harm, do not hesitate to seek help—contact psychological support services (e.g., 12355 for teenagers in China).
(The translation maintains the structure and tone of professional financial journalism, adapting the language to fit the target audience.)