Self-Injury: What Educators Need to Know

Data from anonymous surveys reveal that about 15-20 percent of teenagers have engaged in self-injurious behavior, such as cutting. For many, these behaviors stem from their frantic efforts to relieve the painful and intense emotions state that often come with being a teenager. Although self-injury is not necessarily a suicide attempt, it puts a student in a higher risk group for suicide, and it's important for educators to understand these behaviors and how to support students who self-injure. When school staff members discover a student is self-injuring, they should be calm and prepared. A designated staff member with training in self-injury should meet with the student to assess suicide risk, provide referrals, and work with parents or guardians. The school should work with the student's therapist to ensure needed supports, such as a quiet room to retreat to, are available. With help, students can learn alternate strategies for coping with strong emotions.