Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
28 January 2025 | 15:48 CAT

A rising concern: Experts warn of increasing self-harm among teens as academic pressures mount. Parents urged to provide support and seek professional help. (Image – Jeswin Thomas / Unsplash)

As the academic year commences, many young people face not only academic pressure but also emotional and psychological challenges. Experts warn that some teens, struggling to cope, may resort to self-harm as a way to express their inner turmoil.

In an interview with Radio Islam International, Child Protection and Development Specialist Luke Lamprecht highlighted the importance of understanding self-harm among adolescents. “Children’s behaviour is a form of communication,” he explains. “When they self-harm, it is often because they cannot find the words to express overwhelming emotions.”

Self-harm is not always an indication of suicidal intent but rather a manifestation of deep emotional distress. “Many teens, both boys and girls, engage in self-harm, such as cutting, to make their internal pain visible or to find temporary relief,” Lamprecht notes.

For parents, discovering that their child is self-harming can be deeply distressing. Lamprecht emphasizes that rather than viewing it as an isolated issue, parents should take it seriously. “It’s crucial not to dismiss self-harm as typical teenage behaviour. The scars left behind serve as permanent markers of a temporary mental health struggle,” he cautions.

Parental support is essential, and seeking professional help is the first step. “A team-based intervention involving psychiatry and psychology is necessary. The key is to approach the issue without shame or stigma,” Lamprecht advises.

He also points out that many parents feel isolated in their struggle, believing their child’s behaviour is unique. However, statistics indicate that self-harm is more common than many realize. “Support groups for both parents and teens are vital. Parents need a space to share experiences and receive guidance, while teens require structured interventions that address their emotional needs,” he says.

Detecting early signs of distress is critical. While adolescents naturally seek privacy, Lamprecht warns that a child’s right to privacy should never outweigh a parent’s duty to protect them. “If a child is in danger, intervention is necessary, even if it means invading their space. Parents must prioritize their child’s safety over their discomfort.”

As mental health challenges among youth continue to rise, experts urge parents to remain vigilant, engage in open conversations, and seek professional assistance when needed. Addressing self-harm requires a community-wide effort to ensure young people receive the support they need.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany and Luke Lamprecht here.