Almost half of women under the age of 26 have self-harmed, a poll has suggested.
Health campaigners warned young people are struggling with mental health issues as it was revealed more than a quarter of young men had also hurt themselves.
A survey of 1,009 16 to 25-year-olds from across the UK found 36 per cent had self-harmed at some point in their lives.
The YouGov poll found 45 per cent of young women and 27 per cent of young men had tried to hurt themselves, while three quarters of those surveyed knew someone who had self-harmed.
A survey of 1,009 16 to 25-year-olds from across the UK found 36 per cent had self-harmed
It also found only 46 per cent would be confident knowing what to do if a friend told them they had hurt themselves.
The survey defined self-harm as ‘when someone intentionally damages or injures their body’, which can include eating disorders, cutting the skin or excessively exercising.
Sarah Brennan, chief executive of mental health charity YoungMinds, added: ‘While this poll does not explain in what ways young people harmed themselves or whether they did it once or regularly, it is clear that this is a huge problem in our society that needs to be addressed.
‘We know from calls to our Parents Helpline how overwhelming it can be if you find out that a child or young person is self-harming.
‘But by offering the right support, friends and family can make a huge difference.’
Chris Martin, chief executive of charity The Mix, said: ‘It is shocking that self-harm remains so prevalent among young people as they struggle to manage their emotional wellbeing.
‘What is clear from this survey is that peer support can potentially play a huge role in helping young people to recover.
‘We need to do more to ensure that all young people know where they, or their friends, can turn when they self-harm and how peer groups can play their part in supporting those who are affected.’
The two charities, along with Self-Harm UK, have released tips to help young people talk to friends battling self-harm.