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YouTube videos of self-harming teens receive millions of views

By Staff Writer

Between 14 and 24 percent of young adults induce self-harm, such as cutting and burning, and some of these individuals are using social media websites to broadcast these acts, according to a recent study published in the journal Pediatrics.

Researchers sought out the 100 most popular videos on YouTube that contained footage of adolescents causing themselves harm without the intention of self-inflicted death.

Some of the movies had over two million views, rankings that averaged about 4.6 out of the possible 5 points and had been added to other users' lists of favorite content more than 12,000 times, the study found.

Researchers said they believe that the availability of self-harm videos may present a cause for concern, since other teens and young adults who view the images could interpret the behavior as normal and attempt to copy the trend.

Individuals who commit acts of self mutilation may do so for a number of reasons. Some cut themselves because they are depressed or suffer from anxiety.

People with the psychiatric condition typically suffer from an addiction to trauma and may benefit from attending therapeutic boarding schools, where they can practice healing methods with teens who experience similar troubles.

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