An article in response to "Internet sites encourage self-harm, study warns" (2/05/06).

There are some Internet sites that are beneficial to people who self-injure, one of which is LifeSIGNS (Self-Injury Guidance and Network Support).

The Cornell University's study into Internet message boards and how they can encourage self-harm does raise some important points. Internet message boards are often unregulated and unmoderated. Some even encourage people to share photographs of their injuries, and graphic descriptions. These sites can be extremely dangerous, especially for the young and impressionable, and those new to self-injury. Every effort must be made to stop these websites, as was the case with Pro-Anorexia websites a few years ago.

However, there are good Internet sites, and the public needs to be made aware of this. For some people the Internet is the only place in which they can express themselves without being judged, and peer support can be invaluable. I understand that parents of young people will be concerned if their child is spending time on self-injury message boards, and they are right to worry. However, they must be informed that some sites are safe places and certainly do not encourage self-injury.

LifeSIGNS (Self-Injury Guidance and Network Support) is an Internet-based voluntary organisation. We aim to raise awareness about self-injury in the UK and beyond. LifeSIGNS produces various publications, and offers training to medical professionals, universities, and other interested organisations.

The message board is an important part of LifeSIGNS. With members ranging in age from 12 to 60 we have a real sense of community. The board is strictly moderated by a group of dedicated moderators (all of whom are adults with experience of self-injury). Of course members do speak about their self-injury and their problems, but there are rules that must be adhered to.

LifeSIGNS realises that although self-injury is a coping mechanism, it is not normal, and it is not healthy. We encourage members to look for less destructive ways to deal with their emotional pain, and support them in their roads to recovery.

As I have personal experience of self-injury, I feel that a site such as LifeSIGNS would have been extremely beneficial to me when I was younger and felt like no one understood. Young people (and all of us) are lucky to have such a valuable resource as the Internet, although it must be used with caution!