Digital self‐harm and suicidality among adolescents

Background Research on digital self‐harm – the anonymous online posting, sending, or otherwise sharing of hurtful content about oneself – is still in its infancy. Yet unexplored is whether digital self‐harm is related to suicidal ideation or suicide attempts. Methods In the current study, survey data were collected in 2019 from a national sample of 4972 American middle and high school students ( M age = 14.5; 50% female). Logistic regression analysis was used to assess whether lifetime engagement in two different indicators of digital self‐harm was associated with suicidal thoughts and attempts within the past year. Results Logistic regression analysis showed that engagement in digital self‐harm was associated with a five‐ to sevenfold increase in the likelihood of reporting suicidal thoughts and a nine‐ to 15‐fold increase in the likelihood of a suicide attempt. Conclusions Results suggest a connection between digital self‐harm and suicidality. As such, health professionals must screen for digital self‐harm to address underlying mental health problems among youth that may occur prior to or alongside suicidality, and parents/caregivers must convey to children that they are available to dialog, support, and assist with the root issues that may eventually manifest as digital self‐harm.