When anxiety shows up in our teens, it can be hard for parents to know what is really going on beneath the surface. In this article, Clinical Psychologist Lisa reflects on three youths featured in 8World’s Tuesday Report – Troubled Youths: Anxiety, and gently explores how expectations, loss and school stress affect them, and what parents can do to better support anxious teens at home.

Digital self harm is a behaviour many parents have never heard of, yet it is becoming more common among children and teens navigating online spaces. Instead of physically hurting themselves, young people may anonymously post hurtful comments about themselves or seek negative reactions from others. These actions often stem from deep emotional distress, loneliness or a need for validation.

This article explains what digital self harm looks like, why it happens and the signs parents can gently look out for. It also offers supportive steps to help children feel heard, understood and safe both online and offline. You are not alone in this, and early awareness can make a meaningful difference.