Self‑harm in children 12 years and younger: characteristics and outcomes based on the Multicentre Study of Self‑harm in England

Very little is known about self-harm in children. This study by Manchester Self-Harm Project describes the characteristics and outcomes of children under 13 years who presented following self-harm to five hospitals in England.

It found gender patterns of self-harm until age 11 years are different to those of adolescents, with a male preponderance. Self-harm in children is strongly associated with socioeconomic deprivation.