Furphy: Researchers say social media link to youth self-harm is weak

Social media: the root cause of rising youth selfharm or a convenient scapegoat? Authors Helen Christensen, Aimy Slade and Alexis E Whitton ask the question in the online Medical Journal of Australia. Picture supplied.

IS social media is the root cause of rising self harm, or "a conveniently simple scapegoat" for a complex issue.

A group of Black Dog Institute researchers are asking that question in an article published in the Australian Medical Journal where they highlight the potential harms of a social media ban.