While online interactions have been linked to self-harm and suicide, a new report shows that Internet forums and chatrooms can also be a positive influence for young people.
Oxford University researchers analyzed 14 different studies looking at how young people use the Internet and found some studies show online forums can support and connect socially isolated people, BBC reported.
The research, which was published in the Plos One journal, highlighted a number of dangers from Internet use, including the normalizing of self-harm and the risk of bullying. The study also found a "strong link" between Internet forums and an increased risk of suicide in particular.
The dangers of Internet use have received widespread coverage this year.
In August, 14-year-old Hannah Smith from Leicestershire was found hanged after she had been sent abusive messages on a social networking site. Earlier this month, two middle school girls were arrested after allegedly bullying Rebecca Sedwick, 12, before she committed suicide. They're accused of sending Rebecca messages through social media telling her to kill herself.
Research from the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children has suggested a fifth of 11 to 16-year-olds have had negative experiences using the Internet.
While young people's use of the Internet has some tragic and negative consequences, the recent study also found examples where forum users encouraged positive behavior, advised others to seek help and congratulated each other for not harming themselves.
"Communication via the internet and other electronic means has potential roles in both contributing to and preventing suicidal behavior in young people," report author Keith Hawton said. "The next step is going to be development of therapeutic interventions using these channels of communication, especially to access those who do not seek help from clinical services."
The anonymity of the Internet can also be a safe way for people seeking help to express their feelings, experts say.
"We should acknowledge that many people are using suicide forums and chatrooms to anonymously discuss their feelings of distress and despair, including suicidal thoughts, which may have a positive impact on the individual," Joe Ferns of the Samaritans said. "They may be expressing feelings that they have never disclosed to anyone in their offline lives.
"Rather than concentrating primarily on ways of blocking and censoring such sites, we should think about online opportunities to reach out to people in emotional distress," he said.
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