Published in Nature Mental Health,
researchers led by Dr. Holly Bear and
Professor Mina Fazel, analysed data from the
2025 OxWell Student Survey wave.
Students were asked whether they had encountered self-harm content online during the previous month, how often they had seen it, and how they came across it. One in three young people reported seeing self-harm content online in the past month.
How it works
The OxWell Student Survey is an online study that measures the wellbeing of school-aged children and young people, allowing us to learn about the many interconnected factors that might be influencing their health and happiness.
By participating in the survey, children and young people can directly let us know how they are feeling and how they would like to access help if they have mental health difficulties.
2023-24 OxWell Student Survey: At A Glance
See key stats and findings from the 2023 OxWell survey in our At a Glance infographic:
Watch our latest videos:
The OxWell Data Platform: OxHub: a video for school leaders and commissioners to better understand how our data platform works.
OxWell 2025 School Belonging Results: Our team members, students and a headteacher explore how schools build connection, community, and a sense of being valued.
OxWell 2027
Schools and colleges interested in participating in the OxWell Student Survey 2027 and receiving further updates are invited to complete our Expression of Interest (EOI) form.
Insights
The valuable insights into the lives and experiences of young people provided by this survey support schools and local and national services to create
positive change.