A CORONER has raised concerns over the accessibility of online videos which focus on suicide and self harm after a teenager was found hanging at his Durrington home.

The inquest, held in Salisbury, heard that 13-year-old Bradley Trevarthen “had become fascinated with the concept of suicide and self harming”, which coroner David Ridley blamed on the “availability and access” of the materials that “normalises something that is not normal”.

This came after Mr Ridley was told that Bradley, who was an “avid gamer”, frequented online groups and watched videos on suicide. There would also be discussions over online chat about particular games and videos.

The inquest also heard that the teenager’s behaviour had changed prior to his death, and he had become more depressed and withdrawn. He had also spoken about killing himself to friends.

He was found at his home on January 10 last year but despite attempts to save his life he was pronounced dead at Salisbury District Hospital.

“I am satisfied that he did not intend to take his own life,” the coroner said.

“What concerns me about Brad’s case and the way children and young people, talk about social matters is the availability and access to such material on the internet it almost normalises something that is not normal.”

He added: “This is an issue in terms of accessing the internet I think it is a problem, it is too easy. There is an element of Pandora’s Box.

“Also there is an issue in relation to making parents aware. I think a lot more could be done. The trouble is it is such a vast changing environment that we live in. It is very difficult to catch up.”

Mr Ridley will now write a report about his concerns to Minister for digital and creative industries Margot James.

He recorded a conclusion of accidental death.

At the inquest, held on April 25, friends and family said Bradley was a “smart and gifted student” who was a “happy” and “funny guy”.

In a statement read out by Mr Ridley, Bradley’s mother Jenna said her son seemed “happy and settled” before Christmas and was looking forward to going back to school.

She said he was “sensitive” and thought he may have been on the autistic spectrum but had never been a formal diagnosis.