Educators and Self-Injury

The missing manual for understanding
and aiding students who self-injure.

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For Parents

Although this website is intended for educators, the following information may prove helpful to parents who have discovered that their child is self-injuring:

What is Self-Injury?
Self‑injury (also known as nonsuicidal self‑injury or NSSI) involves intentionally harming oneself—such as cutting, burning, or scratching—as a way to cope with overwhelming psychological distress. Although it may be difficult to understand, individuals who self‑injure often describe doing so to relieve intense feelings like anxiety, emotional numbness, or self‑punishment. It typically begins in adolescence and functions as a short-term, albeit harmful, coping mechanism.

How Common Is It?
Self‑injury is more widespread than many realize. Around 1 in 6 adolescents has a history of self‑harm, according to recent research.Notably, rates are higher among young women and LGBTQ+ youth, with some studies reporting self‑injury rates of 54%–72% among LGBTQ teens.

Why Do Young People Self-Injure?
There’s no one-size-fits-all reason. Some students self-harm due to a history of trauma, emotional pain, identity-related distress, or mental health challenges. What’s consistent across research is that NSSI is often used to manage unbearable emotions when other coping strategies are unavailable or ineffective.

What Do I Do Now?

  • Take a deep breath. It’s painful to learn your child may be self‑harming—but recognition is the first step toward help.
  • Recognize you’re not meant to do this alone. Connect your child with support—they don’t have to face this without help.
  • Seek professional support. Reach out to a mental health professional experienced in working with adolescents.
  • Resist saying “just stop.” That response often backfires and increases distress.
  • Create a safer environment. Remove immediately available tools for self-harm—though be aware that creative alternatives might be found.
  • Address injuries promptly. Seek medical attention if needed.
  • Listen with empathy. Provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for your child to talk.
  • Work together on a safety plan. Collaborate with your child’s clinician and school support team.
  • Keep the school informed. Share updates or changes in your child’s mental health or intervention plan.

Learn More

For further information and support: