Rise in self-poisoning among teenagers

The number teenagers self-poisoning has risen over the last few years, renewing concerns over youth mental health.

Research from the University of Nottingham found that the number of reported cases among 10-17 year-olds has risen by 27 per cent from 1992 to 2012, with 17,862 cases reported in that time.

The results flagged up particular concerns for girls, who were found to be much more likely than boys to deliberately poison themselves. The number of 15-16 year old girls harming their health by drinking to excess doubled over the past 20 years, with the number of 16-17 year old girls intentionally poisoning themselves almost doubling as well.

An NHS England spokesman said of the report: “This is another example of important and growing health needs, and while the additional £1.4 billion pledged for children and adolescent mental health services will help to kick-start this work, transformation will not happen overnight.

“There are many reasons why children and young people might self-harm, and we need to ensure that all services – whether the NHS, voluntary sector, education or social care – work together to make sure everything possible is being done to ensure those at risk are being offered the right services in the right places.”