Self-harm

For schools

Schools have a safeguarding and child protection responsibility to deal as quickly and appropriately as possible with presenting mental health problems and any situation in which the wellbeing of an individual student is threatened. This includes self-harm. Schools also aim to work in collaboration with parents and carers, whilst keeping the student’s best interests at heart.

Teachers are well placed to notice the changes in behaviours as well as the features of anxiety and depression which often accompany self-harm. A comprehensive and cohesive approach to dealing with a presenting mental health issue such as self-harm will be of benefit to all concerned.

Identification – four facts in four areas

BEHAVIOUR

Avoiding activities that require exposure of body
Wearing long sleeves even on very hot days
Increase in risk behaviour
Changes associated with mood disorders including:
- Changes in school performance
- Loss of concentration
- Absent from school more
- Lack of engagement

PHYSICAL FACTORS

Cuts, bruises, marks – particularly if they occur frequently and in repeated areas of the body
Regular visits to A&E for injuries, the causes of which are hard to account for
Appears tired and without energy or edgy and explosive
May present with a lot more physical illness, aches and pains, absences from school due to illness

PSYCHOLOGICAL CHANGES

Looks sad and withdrawn
Less able to concentrate
Easily irritable and angry
More easily tearful

SOCIAL FACTORS

Friends may present with concerns
Withdrawal from social group or may be in a social group that self-harms
Not joining in any social activities especially where clothes worn may show body – for example party clothes
Associating with peers who may have a history of self-harm or high-risk behaviours

What can schools do?

Four suggestions for change

Education on self-harm. Offered by a professional in order to present an accurate but sensitive view. It is not suitable to describe methods of self-harm – this can be triggering for many students who self-harm.
A clear and effective system to support a student who presents with self-harm, supporting peers who are part of the group.
A named teacher and peer supporter from a core team of trained staff and students to be available should help be needed.
Establish links with local services and know what the referral pathways are. Get a professional to help assess risk.

Download our policy guide

Visit our Further Advice page for details of other organisations that can help.