Monthly Archives: August 2018

Fifth of 14-year-old girls in UK ‘self-harm’

Fifth of 14-year-old girls in UK ‘self-harm’

According to a report from the BBC, a fifth of 14-year-old girls in the UK have been found to have self-harmed.

A survey of 11,000 children found 22% of the girls and 9% of the boys said they had hurt themselves on purpose in the year prior to the questionnaire. Rates of self-harm were worst (46%) among those who were attracted to people of the same or both genders.

The information gathered by the Children’s Society claimed that gender stereotypes and worries about looks were contributing to unhappiness.

The self-harm statistics are included in the charity’s annual Good Childhood Report, which examines the state of children’s wellbeing in the UK.

The data on self-harm was analysed by The Children’s Society after being collected in 2015 in the Millennium Cohort Study, a continuing research project following the lives of 19,000 children born in the UK between 2000 and 2001.

More than 11,000 of these children answered a questionnaire about whether they had hurt themselves on purpose in any way in the past year. Out of the 5,624 girls who responded, 1,237 said they had self-harmed.

Self-harm is when people hurt themselves as a way of dealing with difficult feelings, painful memories or overwhelming situations and experiences.

It can include everything from punching or hitting to cutting or burning.

Based on the figures, The Children’s Society estimates that 109,000 children aged 14 may have self-harmed across the UK during the 12-month period in 2015 – 76,000 girls and 33,000 boys.

It follows NHS data released this month that showed the number of admissions to hospital of girls aged 18 and under for self-harm had almost doubled in two decades, from 7,327 in 1997 to 13,463 in 2017.

The NSPCC says common reasons for self-harming include:

  • depression
  • bullying
  • pressure at school
  • emotional abuse
  • grieving
  • having relationship problems with family or friends

According to the NSPCC, there are a number of things parents can do to help a child they suspect of self-harm. Their advice includes:

  • Showing you understand
  • Talking it over
  • Discovering the triggers
  • Building their confidence
  • Showing you trust them
  • Choose who you tell carefully
  • Helping them find new ways to cope

Parents who suspect their child might be self-harming are advised to look for physical signs such as cuts, bruises, burns and bald patches from pulling out hair. These are commonly on the head, wrists, arms, thighs and chest.

The emotional signs are harder to spot:

  • depression
  • tearfulness and low motivation
  • becoming withdrawn and isolated, for example wanting to be alone in their bedroom for long periods
  • sudden weight loss or gain
  • low self-esteem and self-blame
  • drinking or taking drugs

If you are concerned about a child that you think might be self-harming, you can find online resources to help at Young Minds.

Library announces new ebook and audio book service

Library announces new ebook and audio book service

LibrariesWest, the group of council-run libraries across the south-west have announced a new ebook and audiobook loan service. The new LibrariesWest shared E-Book and E Audio Book services are now live – available as websites and apps (for iOS, Android & Kindle Fire). The resources of 8 local authorities in the South West have been… Read More…

Subway improvements and road maintenance to start in September

Subway improvements and road maintenance to start in September

Improvement work to a pedestrian subway and traffic signals – including the first low-level traffic signals for cyclists in Bath is about to get under way. Bath and North East Somerset Council is carrying out the upgrades during September and October, alongside essential road maintenance, to improve facilities for all road users particularly pedestrians as… Read More…

Councillors asked to back regional transport scheme

Councillors asked to back regional transport scheme

Plans for Bath & North East Somerset to join forces with other South West authorities to improve roads and rail transport across the region are going before the council’s cabinet. Councillor Mark Shelford, cabinet member for Transport and Environment is taking a proposal, for Bath & North East Somerset Council to join a regional transport… Read More…

Heritage Open Days 2018 in Bath and North East Somerset

Heritage Open Days 2018 in Bath and North East Somerset

Venues across Bath and North East Somerset will open up their doors this September as part of an annual, nationwide celebration of history, architecture and culture. Heritage Open Days (6-9 and 13-16 September 2018) will offer people a chance to see hidden places and try new experiences – all for free. Councillor Paul Myers, Cabinet… Read More…

Litter patrols planned to keep Bath and North East Somerset clean

Litter patrols planned to keep Bath and North East Somerset clean

Increased litter and fly-tipping enforcement action, as part of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s drive for cleaner streets and open spaces, is being proposed. Councillor Bob Goodman, cabinet member for Development & Neighbourhoods, will bring a proposal for a 12-month scheme, which will see enforcement officers on the streets and in parks and public… Read More…

Healthy Me course for kids – applications open now!

Healthy Me course for kids – applications open now!

Wiltshire Council is launching a new series of dates in its healthy lifestyle programme for children and their families. Healthy Me offers 10 free weekly sessions run by qualified leaders, featuring information on nutrition and health. The 90-minute get-togethers include lots of fun physical activities and games for all ages, as well as plenty of… Read More…

The American Museum & Gardens, in Bath, set to launch £2-million pound ‘New American Garden.’

The American Museum & Gardens, in Bath, set to launch £2-million pound ‘New American Garden.’

The New American Garden will transform the American Museum’s visitor experience and with new landscaping, and planting will provide a horticultural insight into the flora and fauna of the United States. Designed by Washington DC-based landscape architecture firm OEHME, VAN SWEDEN | OvS, the New American Garden is its first European commission, which includes a… Read More…

Twilight Talks at the Fashion Museum Bath

Twilight Talks at the Fashion Museum Bath

The Fashion Museum Bath will host a series of Twilight Talks this autumn, where expert speakers will talk about fashion-related subjects ranging from royal style to the history of fabrics. Fashion fans will also be able to enjoy an exclusive In Conversation evening with British couturier Jon Moore, who will discuss his rise to Royal… Read More…

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