Adolescent Development

latest news & developments

The tattoos on Zandile Simelane’s arms tell a story that most people can’t read. Hidden beneath the delicate blue ink of flowers and butterflies, dull white scars rise, remnants of the time when cutting herself seemed like the only way to express how much she was hurting. (Bhekisisa)

Cutting: Why teens turn to self-harm when they don’t have words for their pain

For some teenagers, emotional pain manifests as deliberately cutting, burning, hitting, biting, scratching or picking at their skin

Tanya Pampalone
Anna-Maria van Niekerk
Jessica Pitchford
Mia Malan
Yolanda Mdzeke
Thatego Mashabela
Justin Barlow
Jeannine Du Preez