YouthNet response to BBC self-harm report
Response from YouthNet to a BBC study which found a a rise in the number of young people admitted to hospital for self-inflicted injuries.
Claire Easterman, Operations Director at YouthNet (the charity behind TheSite.org/self-harm, the leading online self-harm resource for young people set up in partnership with charities Depaul UK and 42nd Street) says:
"It's impossible to know whether the internet has caused this increase in self-harm cases, but more than anything, these videos highlight that young people are turning to the internet to share and express themselves about this issue.
"What is important is that when they do – they find safe, supported, moderated environments like TheSite.org."
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Media enquiries:
For further media information please contact Sarah Wilson, Gabriella Jozwiak or Katy Miller at YouthNet on 020 7250 5716 or out-of-hours on 07766 660 755. Email media@youthnet.org.
Notes to editors
- About TheSite.org/selfharm: In January 2009, a new section of TheSite.org, dedicated to providing those affected by self-harm with quality, up-to-date and engaging information, advice and support, was launched. The section 'Self-harm: Recovery, Advice and Support' was developed with funding from the Camelot Foundation by YouthNet, Depaul UK and 42nd Street, supported by the National Children's Bureau (NCB). It is the top search on Google for the term 'self-harm'.
- About YouthNet: Online communications charity YouthNet specialises in using new technologies to inspire, support and engage young people across the UK. YouthNet delivers a range of online services to thousands of young people each month via three websites, TheSite.org, Do-it and Lifetracks.com.