Nearly half of 14-year-olds experiencing same-sex attraction have self-harmed, study suggests
The disproportionate rates of self-harm among LGBT young people have been thrown into sharp relief by a new survey.
By Will Stroude
Nearly half of 14-year-olds experiencing same-sex attraction have self-harmed, a new study suggests.
A survey of 11,000 children in the UK found that 46% of those who were attracted to people of the same or both genders had deliberately hurt themselves in the preceding year.
Overall, 22% of the girls and 9% of the boys reported self-harming over the same time frame, throwing into sharp relief the disproportionate levels of self-harm amongst young people coming to terms with their sexuality.
The data was collected in 2015 in the Millennium Cohort Study, an ongoing study monitoring the lives of 19,000 children born in the UK between 2000 and 2001.
The findings were reported by The Children’s Society, who called on the government to compel all secondary schools to provide students with access to councellor and for mental health provisions to be included in Ofsted inspections, the BBC reports.
In response, the Department of Health said it had earmarked and extra £300 million to provide more mental health support training in schools.
A spokesperson said: “We’ve extended our pilot scheme to deliver training in 20 more areas of the country this year to improve links between 1,200 schools and their mental health services.”
If you’re affected by any of the issues raised in this story contact the Samaritans on 116 123 (UK) or 116 123 (Republic of Ireland). For more information visit mind.org.uk.