Admissions for children self-harming rising

New figures sealed by the NSPCC have shown that nearly 19,000 children and young people in England and Wales were hospitalised for self-harm last year.

The figure, resulting from a freedom of information request sent to all NSH trusts, marks an increase of 14 per cent over three years, which should provide a ‘wake up call’ to the nation.

Official figures from NHS Digital show admissions for self-harm have been increasing for five years in a row.

Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC, said: “Knowing hospital beds are full of young people crying out for help should be a real wake-up call to all those that care for the wellbeing of the younger generation.

"It is vital we confront the fact that an increasing number are struggling to deal with the pressures and demands of modern-day life, to such an extent they are inflicting terrible damage upon themselves."

Childline claim that 50 children, mainly teenagers aged between 13-17, a day are given counselling on the issue of self-harming, dealing with more than 18,000 calls about self-harm last year.

Dame Esther Rantzen, president of Childline, said: "It's deeply disturbing that so many children and young people are ending up in hospital because they are injuring themselves so seriously. Self-harming is at epidemic level among young people, at Childline we hear from them every day.

"It has become one of the most common problems young people bring to us, and I know from our counsellors that these are some of the most painful stories we hear. Often the young people feel too ashamed and fearful to seek help from those around them, until they harm themselves so badly they have to be rushed to hospital.

"Childline is here for them and is free, confidential and open 24/7. It really does help to contact our counsellors who care about you and want to support you."