WARNING: SENSITIVE CONTENT 

Social media and a lack of available help are being blamed for a rise in young Kiwi girls cutting themselves.

A Stuff investigation has found a number of 'cutting groups' across social media, where girls between 11 and 14 take photos of their slit wrists and share them online. 

Statistics show that girls and young women are twice as likely to go down this route than boys, and there has been a 20 per cent increase in self-inflicted injuries nationwide. 

The disparity is particularly high amongst those under 30.

One caller to Andrew Dickens Afternoons, Victoria, says that she engaged in this behaviour when she was young. 

She says her parents were unsure what to say or how to help her when she opened up to them, but she still appreciated their views.

Two parents, Mary and Amanda, revealed that their daughters and their circle of friends have engaged in this behaviour. Amanda says she struggled to know what to say when her daughter spoke about her actions.

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Where to get help:

If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.

Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.

Or if you need to talk to someone else:

Lifeline – 0800 543 354
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Youthline – 0800 376 633 or free text 234
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What's Up – 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18 year olds 1pm–10pm weekdays and 3pm–10pm weekends)
Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 or free text 4202
Samaritans – 0800 726 666
OUTLine NZ – 0800 688 5463
Healthline – 0800 611 116