Over the past year, one in five females and one in seven males have engaged in some form of self-injury type behavior. The growing concern of “cutting” is now on the forefront of many mental health agencies, schools and youth leaders concerns for young adults today. This article provides the reader with some basic facts and statistics on this interesting, but often scary topic.
The “Cutting” Edge Facts
- 90% of self-injury individuals begin harming themselves during their teen years or younger.
- Cutting and other self-injury behavior crosses all cultures and socio-economic norms.
- Cutting and self-injury is a method used by individuals to take care of themselves, their feelings and actions.
- 40% of all individuals who commit self-injury type behaviors are males.
Almost 50% of cutters or self-injury individuals have reported being sexually abused.
- Almost 50% of self-abusers begin at the age of 14 and continue into their 20’s.
- Some studies indicate that cutting and other self-injury behavior is learned from friends or peers.
Go to Ask A Counselor to find out what to do if your child is cutting.