Social media, Smartphone use and Self-harm in Young People | C4C

Self-harm is becoming increasingly common in young people and this has been linked to increasing use of social media and smartphone technology. However, evidence is limited and it is not yet clear whether particular aspects of using these technologies can negatively impact on mental health. This study will investigate how social media and smartphone use may increase the risk of self-harm in young people by exploring any changes in usage in the time leading up to a self-harm episode. These findings could indicate whether there are certain patterns of online behaviour that are likely to occur before an episode of self-harm. We will recruit young people aged 13-25 years old who have accessed mental health services in SLaM and consented for contact by researchers at the Trust. Participants will be invited to provide information derived from their mental health records using CRIS, as well as their use of social media and smartphones for a period of 12 months.