Point of view: Could social media use be contributing to rising rates of deliberate self-harm and suicide in Australian youth populations?

Abstract

Objective A rapid clinical update on the potential interplay between social media use and rates of deliberate self-harm amongst young people in Australia. Conclusions Rising social media use has been associated with increasing cyberbullying and deliberate self-harm, especially in young women. On the other hand, social media use also provides beneficial support. Examination of problematic social media use in assessments of young people presenting with self-harm may be useful, along with discussion of responses to negative social media. In this point of view, we discuss these matters and the UK Royal College of Psychiatrists’ recommendations for reducing the negative impact of social media.