THE number of young people self-harming in the county has risen by more than 100 in a year.

The recession, the rise in cyber bullying and exam stress are some the of the reasons believed to have contributed to the increase.

Figures released this month by Public Health England (PHE) showed the number of 10 to 24-year-olds admitted to hospital for cases of self-harm rose from 449 in 2012/13 to 583 in 2013/14.

The county was significantly worse than England’s average, according to PHE, with 456 cases per 100,000 being admitted to hospital in Oxfordshire compared to 412 nationally.

“These days with technology and the pressure of modern life, the step of growing up and moving home can be more difficult than ever.” Dr Wendy Woodhouse, clinical director for children and young people at Oxford Health NHS Trust, said there was no one reason for the rise.

She added: “Young people are under huge stress with exams, social media interactions, cyber bullying, peer pressure, which all do have an impact.”

Dr Woodhouse said that self-harm, which can be anything from superficial cutting to very dangerous and life threatening attempts, was most common in teenage girls aged 14 to 16.

She added the recession would have had an impact on adults’ lives, which could have had a knock-on effect on young people.

Dr Woodhouse said Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, which deals with mental health, had a presence in schools and colleges.

She added: “The goal is to increase awareness and increase the capacity of schools and youth workers to know how to approach young people and to understand the reasons.”

Project manager for SAFE! Chloe Purcell, a service that offers help to eight to 25-year-olds affected by crime in Oxfordshire, said she had seen an increase in the number of young people being affected by cyber-bullying.

She added: “It has a big impact on young people.

“It’s no longer the case that if you are bullied at school you have a safe place at home, with cyber-bullying it’s always there.”

Sue Croft, principal of Oxford Spires Academy, said: “I think in general mental health is a really important area where investment needs to be placed, because a child is not going to be happy nor successful if mental health issues are not tackled.

“They need to be tackled so that they can develop in to healthy adults.”

Oxford East MP Andrew Smith said: “It’s awful to see young people self-harming on the increase.

“It shows how important it is to have the school nurse service, as well ensuring parents and professionals working with young people are informed as to the danger signs and where they can go for help.

“Anyone who is self-harming needs to talk to someone about it – a parent, a friend, a school nurse, or their GP – and get help and support.”

Patrick Taylor, chief executive of Oxfordshire Mind said self-harm affected many people, but can often be kept hidden through feelings of shame or embarrassment.

He said: “We may never know whether the rise in people needing hospital treatment for self-harm indicates that more people are self-harming, or whether more people who are using self-harm are now getting help.”

HOW TO SPOT THE DANGER SIGNS

The physical signs can be: 
* Cuts
* Bruises
* Burns
* Bald patches of hair

The emotional signs can be:
* Depression
* Loneliness
* Drink and drug habits
* Loss of appetite