Schools in Medway need more training to tackle the growing number of children who are self-harming, according to a report.

Figures on the rise of self-harming in young people will be revealed to Medway’s health and wellbeing board tomorrow.

A report by Helen Jones, the assistant director of children and adult services at Medway Council, said there has been a 68% increase in hospital admissions as a result of non-accidental self-harm, across the country between 2002 and 2012.

Health bosses said there is such a concern about self-harming behaviour in Medway, that awareness sessions and workshops have been held for teachers and other school professionals.

But the report states existing services are not meeting the level of need, so more training is needed for all school professionals and calls for more early intervention.

It is understood some children are self-harming because of emotional and mental health issues, but others seem to be hurting themselves because of peer pressure.

One parent who contacted KentOnline's sister paper the Medway Messenger said he took two of his children out of school for several weeks because he was worried about pressure from other pupils who were urging his children to cut themselves.

The dad, whose children go to Victory Academy in Chatham, said: "The boy in question has brought knives into school and was sending my children pictures on Facebook of him with knives and him cutting himself.

"I also reported to the school that certain girls were taking the blades out of pencil sharpeners and cutting themselves in school or taking them home to cut themselves."

The Medway Messenger has seen pictures which are being shared on Facebook of children with injuries consistent with self-harming. Another picture is a Japanese manga image depicting a cartoon girl cutting her arms.

David Brake, chairman of Medway’s health and wellbeing board, said he will be speaking to head of schools, Cllr Mike O’Brien.

He added: "The behaviour of any child or group of children who are involved in self-harming antics is an area that needs to be addressed."

Victory Academy has not responded to the Medway Messenger's request for a comment.