It's a bit more complicated than that, I think. [He takes a moment to answer, looking around a bit as he considers how best to do so. He feels sort of stupid just standing here, talking, instead of being able to pull over a chair or whatever, but sitting on the floor seems somehow more awkward.] For some people, myself included, it's difficult to think of teenagers or other younger people without thinking about our own siblings or children. It can be difficult to let them make their own choices when we feel as if we need to protect them from failure or being hurt, and in an instance like this, it's particularly complicated because indulging in self destructive behavior is something people take quite seriously regardless of how old the person is.

I don't think he isn't old enough to make his own decisions, but wanting to be hurt to feel better about yourself isn't healthy behavior. That isn't a choice anyone should be encouraged to make, regardless of age, because it's clear there's a very serious problem that needs to be dealt with before they damage themselves irreparably.