(Credit: myboys.me/Shutterstock)

BOCA RATON, Fla. — In an age where social media dominates teenage life, researchers have discovered a disturbing trend that’s leaving parents and educators increasingly concerned. Digital self-harm — a phenomenon where teens anonymously post hurtful content about themselves online — has seen a staggering 88% increase among American teenagers since 2016.

This shocking statistic comes from a new study published in the Journal of School Violence, shedding light on a largely overlooked aspect of teen online behavior. That study reveals that, as of 2021, nearly 12% of U.S. teens between 13 and 17 have engaged in some form of digital self-harm. This behavior, which other people can easily mistake for cyberbullying, represents a potentially dangerous form of self-expression that’s becoming increasingly common in the digital age.

So, what exactly is digital self-harm, and why are so many teens turning to this destructive habit?

Methodology: How Researchers Tackled Digital Self-Harm

To get a clear picture of this digital trend, researchers from Florida Atlantic University and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire analyzed three separate national surveys conducted in 2016, 2019, and 2021, focusing on American teens between 13 and 17 years-old.

By examining these behaviors across three separate time periods, the researchers were able to track how the prevalence of digital self-harm changed over time. They also considered important factors like gender, race, and sexual orientation to see if certain groups were more likely to engage in digital self-harm.

Additionally, the study explored the connection between experiencing cyberbullying and engaging in digital self-harm. This helped paint a more complete picture of the complex relationships between different forms of online aggression and self-directed harm.

Key Results

The findings of the study are both revealing and concerning. The study authors came away with five major conclusions:

1. Rising Rates: In 2016, roughly 6% of teens anonymously posted negative content about themselves online, and 4% anonymously cyberbullied themselves. By 2021, these numbers had jumped to nearly 12% and 9%, respectively.
2. Gender Shifts: Interestingly, the gender dynamics changed over time. In 2016, teen boys were more likely to engage in anonymous self-cyberbullying. By 2021, teen girls showed higher rates of digital self-harm overall.
3. Sexual Orientation Matters: Across all years, LGBTQ youth were significantly more likely to engage in both forms of digital self-harm compared to their straight peers.
4. Cyberbullying Connection: Perhaps most alarmingly, students who experienced cyberbullying were 5 to 7 times more likely to engage in digital self-harm compared to those who were never cyberbullied.
5. Racial Differences: While not consistent across all years, the study found that non-White students were more likely to anonymously post mean things about themselves online. Hispanic students, in particular, showed higher rates of anonymous self-cyberbullying compared to White students.

Discussion & Takeaways: What These Findings Mean

“Digital self-harm has been linked with major issues such as bullying, depression, eating disorders, physical harm, sleep disturbances and even suicidal tendencies,” says Dr. Sameer Hinduja, a professor at Florida Atlantic University and co-author of the study, in a media release. “With increasing global attention from youth-serving professionals on this phenomenon, it’s clear that digital self-harm is a significant public health issue that warrants further research to identify solutions that can serve as protective factors to forestall its incidence as well as its impact.”

The team cautions that the motivations behind digital self-harm are complex and varied. Previous research has identified reasons ranging from self-hate and attention-seeking to a desire to appear tough or resilient. Some teens may even engage in this behavior as a cry for help, using the anonymity of the internet to express their pain in ways they feel unable to do openly. Dr. Hinduja stresses the importance of understanding these underlying motivations

“It’s also crucial to understand why young people engage in digital self-harm and help them develop healthier coping mechanisms,” the study author explains. “Moreover, it’s essential that parents, educators and mental health professionals working with young people extend support to all targets of online abuse in informal and conversational, as well as formal and clinical settings.”

For parents and educators, staying informed about these trends and maintaining open lines of communication with teens is more important than ever. The researchers say that by fostering an environment where young people feel safe discussing their online experiences and struggles, families can take important steps toward combating digital self-harm and promoting healthier digital behaviors among our youth.