Girls may be much more likely to self injure than boys

A new trend has shook the YouTube crowd, as many children and teenagers have began displaying videos of self-injury. These videos show individuals injuring themselves and, in some cases, appear to be instructional as to how a viewer can become a ‘cutter’.

Researchers explain that self-injury has become a growing trend among young people. In fact, as many as 25 percent of teenagers or young adults have purposefully injured themselves at least one time. The method of choice — cutting.

Whether teenagers do it because they see others performing the acts or not, the trend has been explained as dangerous by many.

Almost every single person featured in a self-injury video appeared to be a female.

Although young adults still engage in these behaviors, the number of people above the age of 18 who still induce injury on themselves is much less than those under the age of 18.

Experts do explain that in most cases, these are not suicidal actions. However, in some cases, accidental death may occur if a teen accidentally cuts themselves wrong.

Mental health experts explain that children feel a sense of control as they cause harm on themselves, and it may also offer a potential form of coping from stress.

Parents are urged to watch videos online and discuss any potential self-harm with children and doctors.

In the end though, parents are urged to simply talk with their children and be an active part of their lives.