Spotting the Signs of Self-Harm

Teachers, whether supply or permanent, can play a crucial role in spotting the signs of self-harm among students. While supply educators may not have the same level of familiarity with a class as a regular teacher, they can still be observant and take appropriate action. In fact, they sometimes see signs that stand out with a fresh set of eyes. For teachers will the class everyday, changes to behaviour or appearance can act as red flags that something is not right and self-harm may be a symptom of this.

This course will talk you through some of the signs you can look out for on a day-to-day level or, if you are a supply educator or new teacher, when you are starting a role. The lessons will share examples of self-harm and highlight approaches you can take to report issues effectively.

Self-harm, also known as self-injury or self-mutilation, refers to deliberate acts of physically hurting oneself as a way of coping with emotional pain, stress, or other overwhelming feelings. It’s important to note that self-harm is a sign of distress and should be taken seriously. Various methods and behaviors can fall under the category of self-harm. Here are some common types:

1. Cutting: Cutting is one of the most well-known forms of self-harm. It involves using sharp objects like razors, knives, or scissors to make cuts on the skin, usually on the arms, wrists, thighs, or other areas that can be easily concealed.
2. Burning: Burning oneself intentionally with hot objects like cigarettes, lighters, or heated metal is another form of self-harm. This can leave visible burns on the skin.
3. Hitting or Punching: Some individuals may engage in hitting or punching themselves, often targeting their head, face, or other parts of the body.
4. Scratching: Scratching the skin with nails or other sharp objects can cause wounds and is considered a form of self-harm.
5. Hair Pulling (Trichotillomania): Trichotillomania is a specific type of self-harm where individuals compulsively pull out their own hair, often from the scalp, eyebrows, or eyelashes.
6. Biting: Biting oneself, especially on the arms or hands, is another way some individuals harm themselves.
7. Head Banging: Head banging involves repeatedly hitting one’s head against a hard surface, such as a wall or floor. This can lead to injuries.
8. Skin Picking (Dermatillomania): Dermatillomania is a compulsive behavior where individuals pick at their skin, often leading to sores, scars, and infection.
9. Ingesting Harmful Substances: In some cases, individuals may intentionally ingest harmful substances, such as chemicals, drugs, or foreign objects, with the intent of causing harm to themselves.
10. Interfering with Wound Healing: Some people engage in behaviors that prolong the healing of wounds, like reopening cuts or preventing injuries from healing naturally.
11. Excessive Exercise or Starvation: While less overtly visible, engaging in extreme exercise or restrictive eating patterns can be a form of self-harm used to gain a sense of control or punishment.
12. Other Forms: Self-harm can take various other forms, including picking at scabs, bruising, or engaging in risky behaviors that could lead to injury.

It’s important to understand that self-harm is often a coping mechanism for emotional pain, and individuals who engage in self-harming behaviors may be struggling with underlying mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, or trauma. Recognising the signs and offering support and help to those who self-harm is crucial for their well-being. If you encounter a student who is engaging in self-harm, it’s essential to report it to appropriate authorities and seek professional help, such as a school counsellor or mental health specialist, to address the underlying issues and provide appropriate treatment and support.

Remember that self-harm is a complex issue, and it is crucial to approach it with sensitivity and professionalism. Supply teachers, like all educators, play an important role in creating a safe and supportive learning environment for students.

Begin your learning by watching this brief video from Mind. Mind are an organistaion who work nationwide to support children and educators. Their website contains many useful resources that you can access. We have attached a full guide to spotting and supporting students with self-harm to this course.