NationStates Jolt Archive

It seems like a genuine attempt to help people. On pages 40-41 of the UK newspaper 'News of the World', there is a double-page spread about a website that promotes self-harm and encourages people to share progressively worsening pictures of their mutilation, as well as words of encouragement to cause people to continue self-harming or to make their self-harming (also known as self-injury or SI) a lot worse.

To avoid encouraging people to use the website, the 'News of the World' has left out the website address. And, of course, the newspaper screams for the website to be closed down. Good for them, right? But all is not as it seems.

The first clue is in the article - not a single helpline number or address of a support website despite the fact that the article points out that self-harmers need professional help. Though the supposed "quotes" from the website are difficult to find save for on the newspaper's website, there are a few clues that make it possible to find the website. And that's when you discover the truth, even if your computer won't let you visit the gallery.

The website, run by Morten Wulff and part-funded by the Technical University of Denmark, actually provides information and ADVICE for people who self-harm - advice to help them stop, that is, as well as links to other resources.

The only possible outcome for the 'News of the World' printing their excuse for a news article is that self-harmers (many of whom are teenagers so are very internet-savvy) will try to find the website - and if they can't, or if they do and it's not as the newspaper claims, they may start their own website that promotes self-harm.

The website, by the way, is http://www.psyke.org/ - look around it for the clues that show it's the website that the 'News of the World' is talking about.

Though one or two links aren't fully functional, it's also a useful resource, in my opinion, for any of you who self-harm. And for those people who are in England/Wales aged 12-16 who don't want to call a helpline, there's a very good website where you can chat online to professionals (during opening hours; username+nickname and password required to sign up but nothing else required): http://www.there4me.com

Another possibly useful website (seems to be down at the moment) is http://www.statik.tk (though it's not used much at the moment judging from the message boards, but perhaps it soon will be) - it's alternative menu is http://www.geocities.com/drublecube/alternativemenu

It won't let me see the pictures :(

well:

1) I actually find it hard to understand what your typing maybe I'm tired and really can't be bothered, I got something on News of the world and self harm website pictures

2) honestly I couldn't give a rats arse if there are sites that show it, yes these folk need help and yes it is usually a mental condition but I've just stopped caring, there is plenty of advice (especially in schools) and they are fully aware that its bad

the key is usually getting half decent counselors out (not the dicks who took a class to be nosy and judging) and I'd go as far as to say reform the whole thing because its not working

3) stop posting your help sites, get a bumper sticker please

well:

1) I actually find it hard to understand what your typing maybe I'm tired and really can't be bothered, I got something on News of the world and self harm website pictures

2) honestly I couldn't give a rats arse if there are sites that show it, yes these folk need help and yes it is usually a mental condition but I've just stopped caring, there is plenty of advice (especially in schools) and they are fully aware that its bad

the key is usually getting half decent counselors out (not the dicks who took a class to be nosy and judging) and I'd go as far as to say reform the whole thing because its not working

3) stop posting your help sites, get a bumper sticker please

1, yes indeed you are tired
2, feel free not to give a rat's arse, it's your karma. And yes some counsellors are useless, but there are lots of bloody brilliant ones out there too.
3, I'm not posting MY websites though am I? And if you weren't so tired, you'd see that posting websites wasn't the reason for the post. At least I think you would anyway

Multiland, I'm not sure what you want us to talk about in this thread. Should we discuss self harm, professional help, this News of the World thing or how to approach the general problem of self harm or what?

Maybe everyone else will know what to do, but I thought I'd ask in case anyone else was confused.

The News of the World promotes self-harm in its journalism. Every time I accidentally run across some of their rubbish I get this sudden desire to blind myself so I don't run the risk of it happening again.

The News of the World promotes self-harm in its journalism. Every time I accidentally run across some of their rubbish I get this sudden desire to blind myself so I don't run the risk of it happening again.

That happens to me sometimes when I read certain NSG topics...

I show this website to a friend, who is a former SI, and in her opinion, it's disgusting and those who are willing to show their scars are doing it to get attention, IE Emos. She also said ewwww.