Rise in self-harm - Money must be invested

In the midst of current economic difficulties it is probably inevitable that there would be increased pressure on families.

Teen Counselling has reported that nearly a fifth of the 248 new teenage clients that it dealt with in 2009 had deliberately injured themselves.

The rate of those who admitted to have engaged in self-harm increased from 11% to 17% from 2004 to 2009. Many of the adolescents acknowledge suicidal inclinations, and 20% confessed suicidal intent.

Family conflict appears to be the main reason for the problems. These difficulties stem from drug and alcohol problems, to communications difficulties within families, distorted interactions between parents and adolescent children, parental separation and bereavements.

A spokeswoman for Teen Counselling suggests that funding is proving to be a stumbling block to expanding services in the midst of the growing problems. It is imperative that society keeps these problems in perspective, especially with the increase in marriage break-ups.

Disclosures in relation to child abuse in recent years suggest that the abuse in various institutions in this country were the 20th century equivalent the 19th century horrors of Dickensian England. It must not be allowed to happen again through budget cutting.

No self-respecting society should tolerate the victimisation of vulnerable young people. We must make determined efforts to ensure that increased family pressures do not lead to a 21st century equivalent of such human misery.