One in four teens engaging in self-harm, experts warn

Between 2021 and 2025, the organization recorded a 31.6% rise in cases involving children and adolescents, signaling a growing mental health crisis.

Girls aged 13 to 15 are disproportionately affected, accounting for 33.5% of reported self-harm and suicidal ideation cases, the group’s president, Costas Giannopoulos, said. 

International studies suggest 15–25% of adolescents worldwide have self-harmed at least once; Greece is at the higher end, with one in four teens affected.

Psychiatrist George Nikolaidis emphasized that self-harm does not always indicate suicidal intent. “Many adolescents engage in cutting to relieve overwhelming tension or distress about life and their relationships,” he explained.

Globally, suicide claims around 720,000–727,000 lives annually. In Greece, deaths are believed to be underreported, with an estimated 400–500 suicides each year and 20–30 times more attempts.

Authorities urge immediate action if a child is at risk. Emergency services can be reached at 112, while children and families can contact the SOS helpline 1056 via phone, online chat, or social media.