Spot and Support: Self-Harm

When staff suspect self-harm, the thing that most often gets in the way is worry about saying the wrong thing. Some adults avoid the subject. Others fire off questions. Neither helps, and around two young people in every secondary class will have self-harmed at some point.

You'll see the wide range of behaviour self-harm covers, the cycle of build-up, relief and guilt behind it, and the signs worth being curious about. Most of all, you'll learn how to handle the conversation: in private, at the young person's pace, asking directly about thoughts of ending their life, and never acting behind their back. You'll also know when to follow your safeguarding route, and when to call 111 or 999.

There's advice to pass to parents and carers too, including distractions to try when the urge is strong.