Self-harm fears for 1D fans after Zayn exit

Campaigners have reacted with horror after it emerged some One Direction fans were urging others to self-harm in reaction to the news Zayn Malik has quit the chart-topping boyband.

The singer shocked fans when he left the world’s biggest band saying he wanted the chance to be “a normal 22-year-old”.

I'm 22 years old... I love a girl named Perrie Edwards. And there's a lot of jealous fucks in this world I'm sorry for what it looks like x

— zayn (@zaynmalik) March 18, 2015

Shortly afterwards pictures emerged on social media from fans who appeared to have harmed themselves and were asking others to do so.

A spokesman for children’s charity Barnardo’s said: “We are horrified at the overnight trending of self-harm tweets after Zayn Malik quit One Direction with teenagers posting pictures of their self-inflicted injuries and encouraging others to follow suit.

“Self-harming sites and social media chat on self-harm are a disturbing aspect of culture which must be addressed and handled sensitively by all those responsible for caring for children.

“Children need a place to be able to discuss anything which distresses them and have guidance on how to deal with difficult feelings in a supportive environment.

“Carers, teachers and others and any young person who might be thinking about self-harm are urged to visit the Young Minds website.”

Read More: Here are the most overly dramatic reactions to Zayn Malik quitting

A spokeswoman for Young Minds said: “Zayn is an important role model to other young people, as he is prioritising his wellbeing over fame and taking time out to look after himself.

https://twitter.com/YoungMindsUK/status/581102393028440065[/social]

“Young people who feel affected by this news should reach out to other young people and to trusted adults and talk to them about how they feel. It’s a loss so like any loss it is about taking care of yourself and being with people who care for you and can support you.”

#selfharm is not an attempt to commit suicide pic.twitter.com/b7ncl34jo9

— YoungMinds (@YoungMindsUK) March 26, 2015

Rachel Burrows, who edits parenting website Netmums. said: “Sadly some youngsters do self-harm to cope with stress, but hashtags like these are dangerous and they can potentially encourage kids to try it.

“The pressures of social media may mean some young fans see it as a way to prove their devotion to Zayn and the band.

Read More: Finn Harps issue kind offer to Zayn Malik

The singer left the band’s world tour last week after being “signed off with stress” after he was forced to defend himself and declare his love for fiancee when pictures emerged of him apparently close to another woman. The group said they would continue as a four-piece for the tour and record another album this year.

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