LONDON - While investigating the issue of self-harm among young kids, British Asian actress Meera Syal has expressed her views on the growing problem among the new generation.

In an article in The Mirror, Syal has called for an urgent need to address the problem before it gets worse.

“My daughter, Chameli, who’s 16, doesn’t know anyone personally who self-harms but she has heard of some through her friends. It seems all kids nowadays have heard of a self-harmer somewhere in their circle of friends. I find that really scary as it wasn’t an issue for my generation,” she said.

“Of course, that might be because the issue is talked about more openly than it was in the past.

“We have all seen pictures of celebrities like Amy Winehouse whose scars and distress are clearly visible. Self-harm can almost come over as something an edgy, rebellious famous person might do because it’s “cool”.

“It’s not cool, it’s a very sad and frightening disorder,” she added. (ANI)