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Self-harm

Self-harm is when a child or young person intentionally damages or hurts their body. It can become addictive because of the natural pain-relieving endorphins that are released when people hurt themselves, which can give a temporary sense of relief.

Self-harm

Each child and young person’s relationship with self-harm is complex and different. It often happens during times of anger, distress, fear, anxiety, loss or depression.

Self-harm is more common in adolescence. 2015 data shows that in an average class of 30 15-year-olds, six may be self-harming.

Concerned about a child or young person?

If you are worried that a child or young person is at risk involve your designated safeguarding lead as a matter of priority, who will contact the parents/carers and other services as necessary. If the child or young person is at immediate risk, ensure that they are taken to their GP or A&E as a matter of urgency, depending on the severity of the concern.

Find out more.

Self-harm can also be a coping strategy for:

  • dealing with difficult situations
  • changing emotional pain into physical pain
  • communicating distress about something in a non-verbal way
  • attempting to relieve feelings of numbness, anger or aggression
  • attempting to gain a sense of a control in a world where they feel out of control

Self-harming and risky behaviours can also be a way for a child or young person to punish themselves for feelings or behaviour that they think are their fault, or because they have a very negative self-image.

The majority of children and young people who self-harm do not have suicidal thoughts while self-harming. However, self-harm can escalate into suicidal behaviours.

Identifying the signs

Self-harm can include:

  • self-cutting
  • burning
  • scratching
  • biting
  • hair pulling
  • head banging

Physical self-harm may be indicated by a careful covering of arms and legs, or changes in behaviour around clothing – for example an avoidance of activities that involve changing clothes, like PE lessons.

Risky behaviour

Risky behaviour can sometimes be a form of self-harm, although it is often misinterpreted or overlooked. All children and young people will take risks and learning how to manage them is an important part of development. But when risk-taking is persistent, extreme, age-inappropriate, or compromises a child or young person’s safety and wellbeing, it can be a way of communicating distress.

It can highlight that a young person is struggling, and may be using risk-taking to lift their mood or distract/punish themselves in some way.

Find out more about self-harming and risky behaviour

MindEd is a free educational e-learning resource for professionals on children and young people’s mental health. The following session aims to help staff better understand children’s self-harming behaviours.

  • Self-harm and risky behaviour: provides the background to self-harm in children and teenagers, common associated conditions and approaches to managing it.

Top tips

If a child or young person is self-harming, ask if they are okay

Talking about it won’t encourage more self-harm. Share with the student that you are worried about them and want to check if they are okay. Consult with your safeguarding lead first – don’t feel like you need to deal with it alone.

Listen

Check in regularly with the student. It may take a few invitations to talk before  they feel able to risk sharing with you, but the most important thing you can do is listen. 

Make a plan with the student

When the child or young person is ready, the safeguarding lead should make a plan and discuss and agree it with them. This will need to include informing their parents/carers. Action what you’ve agreed and keep the student informed; explain if you don’t manage to do something.

What schools and further education settings can do

What schools and further education settings can do

Guidance and support for schools and settings on what to do to help pupils who may be self-harming, or at risk of self-harm, get the support they need.

Find out more

Concerned about a child or young person?

If you are worried that a child or young person is at risk involve your designated safeguarding lead as a matter of priority, who will contact the parents/carers and other services as necessary. If the child or young person is at immediate risk, ensure that they are taken to their GP or A&E as a matter of urgency, depending on the severity of the concern.

Find out more

Related resources

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