Introduction
Digital self-harm (DiSH) has recently emerged as a concerning phenomenon, exacerbated by advances in digital technology. Although DiSH can trigger psychological distress and potentially contribute to more severe outcomes, evidence on its prevalence, measurement approaches, and underlying risk factors remains fragmented and insufficiently synthesized, limiting the development of research, prevention, and intervention strategies.


Purpose
To consolidate evidence by systematically mapping relevant literature on these three key aspects.


Methods
The review followed PRISMA-ScR checklist. PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses databases were searched from inception to March 23, 2025. Prevalence data were summarized using medians and interquartile ranges (IQR). Measurement tools were examined descriptively, and thematic analysis was used to identify and categorize risk factors based on the biopsychosocial-ecological framework.


Results
Of 5,587 identified records, 25 studies met the eligibility criteria. Overall prevalence of DiSH was 9.2% (IQR 6.1-13.1). School-based samples were most frequently investigated, with lifetime prevalence (8.8%, IQR 5.3-11.1) lower than that in community samples (16.3%, IQR 12.2-29.8). Early studies primarily relied on single-item measures, whereas novel tools have recently been developed, requiring further validation. A total of 23 risk themes were synthesized, with the most commonly reported specific factors including racial/ethnic minority, younger age, shorter sleep duration, self-harm and suicidal risks, depressive symptoms, dysfunctional parenting, lower education, bullying victimization, and temporal context (late night).


Conclusions
This scoping review provides a comprehensive landscape of DiSH, highlighting prevalence trends, measurement approaches, and key risk factors, and underscores the need for greater attention, standardized tools, and early intervention strategies.