Self-harm Rising Among Young Canadians, Especially Girls: Study Links to Social Media

A concerning trend is emerging among young Canadians, particularly girls: an increase in self-harm incidents. A latest study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics reveals a sustained rise in these injuries, prompting experts to consider factors like social media’s influence. While the precise causes remain unclear, the data underscores a growing mental health challenge for this age group.

Rising Rates and a Doubling Over 25 Years

The study, led by Dr. Natasha Saunders, analyzed data spanning from 2000 to 2024, revealing an average annual increase of 3.5% in emergency department visits related to self-harm among individuals aged 24 and under. Over the 25-year study period, the rate more than doubled. This increase isn’t uniform; the data shows a more pronounced rise among girls, with an annual increase of 3.6% compared to 1.2% among boys. The full study, encompassing data from over 234 million people across a dozen high-income countries including Canada, Australia, and the UK, highlights the consistency of this trend internationally. JAMA Pediatrics is a peer-reviewed medical journal.

The research utilized both hospital visit data and self-reported information from surveys, providing a broad view of the issue. However, Dr. Saunders cautions that these figures likely represent an underestimation, as many instances of self-harm move unreported and do not result in medical attention.

Personal Stories and the Cycle of Harm

Margaret Boldt, a 20-year-old from Windsor, Ontario, shared her personal experience with self-harm. For three years, she engaged in self-injurious behavior as a way to cope with a difficult childhood marked by domestic violence and an eating disorder. Her story illustrates the complex interplay of factors that can contribute to self-harm. Boldt’s experience escalated to the point where she required frequent hospital visits for stitches, sometimes as often as every other day. This led to substance employ as a means of numbing the emotional pain and suppressing the urge to self-harm.

Now five months free from self-harm and undergoing detoxification treatment, Boldt’s journey highlights the possibility of recovery and the importance of seeking help. Her friend, Jessica Pauli, also shared her experience with self-harm, noting that it began in eighth grade. Pauli is now in recovery as well.

The Role of Social Media and a Broader Context

While the study doesn’t definitively establish a causal link, Dr. Saunders suggests that social media may be playing a role in the increasing rates of self-harm. She points to the overwhelming amount of information and global events that young people are exposed to, coupled with a lack of adequate tools to regulate their emotions. “We are not giving them the tools to help them regulate their emotions and cope with these situations,” she stated. However, she also acknowledges that social media can provide a supportive space for some individuals struggling with mental health challenges.

Dr. Rachel Mitchell, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto, emphasizes that self-harm is often a symptom of underlying mental health issues and can increase the risk of suicide. She explains that when individuals learn to self-harm as a coping mechanism, it can become a habitual response to distress, ultimately diminishing their ability to experience emotions fully. Sunnybrook Hospital is a leading academic health sciences centre in Toronto.

A Sign of Deeper Distress

The increasing rates of self-harm are not occurring in isolation. A 2023 study co-authored by Dr. Mitchell revealed a concerning rise in suicide rates among young girls in North America. This suggests a broader mental health crisis affecting this population. Dr. Saunders expressed surprise at the magnitude of the trend, stating, “This tells us that our children are not doing well, and if we don’t put a brake on this trend and accept the necessary steps to reverse the trajectory, we are going to have big problems.”

The study’s findings are consistent with observations from clinicians on the front lines. Dr. Saunders notes that she is seeing an increasing number of cases of self-harm in her practice at SickKids Hospital in Toronto. SickKids Hospital is a leading Canadian pediatric hospital.

What Comes Next: Surveillance, Support, and Policy

Addressing this growing concern requires a multi-faceted approach. Continued surveillance of self-harm rates is crucial to monitor the trend and identify potential risk factors. Public health officials are also exploring ways to strengthen mental health support services for young people, particularly in schools and communities. The Canadian government previously attempted to regulate social media platforms through legislation, but the bill was defeated in January 2025 following the dissolution of Parliament. Ottawa has indicated its intention to revisit this issue, but no concrete plans have been announced yet.

For individuals struggling with self-harm or suicidal thoughts, resources are available. The 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Lifeline provides immediate support via call or text. The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention offers a range of resources and support services, and Jeunesse, j’écoute provides crisis intervention for young people.

With information from Jennifer La Grassa