How common is self-harm in children and young people?

Banner 5 How Common Is Self Harm In CYP

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Information:

In Cheshire and Merseyside[1]:

  • Self-harm is more common in young people than any other age group.
  • Nearly half of 17–19-year-olds with a diagnosable mental health difficulty have self-harmed or attempted suicide at some point, rising to 52.7% for young women.
  • In 2022/23, there were 434.5 hospital admissions per 100,000 (aged 10-24), as a result of self-harm. This is 30% higher than the England rate.

It’s also important to note that many children and young people who self-harm do not attend hospital. This means the number of those who self-harm is likely to be even higher.

This touches on an important point: self-harm doesn’t always mean that a child or young person has suicidal thoughts, or even that they want to seriously hurt themselves. However, self-harm behaviours can be more dangerous than they might realise, and self-harm is linked to a higher risk of suicide.

Report cover for Children & Young People's Mental Health Plan 2024-2026 with the NHS Cheshire and Merseyside logo.

Addressing self-harm in children and young people is therefore a key priority in both local and national guidance. This guidance has been created in alignment with the Cheshire & Merseyside Children & Young People’s Mental Health Plan 2024-2026, which is all about helping children and young people feel happier, healthier, and better supported by:

  • Raising awareness of self-harm.
  • Focusing on prevention.
  • Ensuring timely access to early, appropriate support.
  • Providing consistent, high-quality care.

[1] Cheshire and Merseyside Children and Young People’s Mental Health Plan 2024 - 2026

 

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