Call For Blocking Of Self-Harm Websites

Internet providers have been urged to block sites that support and encourage suicide. Researchers at the University of Ulster made the call as part of a study into suicide trends in Derry over a five-year period.

They say a lack of professional support services, along with the promotion and use of self-harm websites were likely contributors to an increased rate of suicide.

The study looked at 60 deaths in the Derry area between January 2000 and December 2005. Over 83% of those who died were male – with the highest proportion aged between 21 and 30 years.

A peak in the number of suicides was recorded in the month of July.