Safeguarding (Self-harm)

What is self-harm?

• Unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance

• The act of intentionally inflicting pain or injury on one’s own body

• Death caused by self-directed injurious behavior with intent to die as a result of the behavior

• Persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical and psychological needs

Pick two (2) possible reasons a person ends up in self-harming act

• Hitting other people

• Ingesting toxic substances or medications in non-lethal doses

• Aggressive usage of profanities to others

• Cutting, scratching, burning skin

Why do people self-harm? Pick two (2) possible reasons.

• To express or cope with emotional pain

• To relieve intense feelings of anger, sadness, or frustration

• Wanting to dominate others and improve their social status

• Desire for belonging, protection, financial gain, and excitement

Academic or parental pressure, especially in high-performing or conservative cultures is one of the main leading factors in self-harming acts.

• True

• False

Self-harm is underreported because of taboos around mental health as well as the societal stigma.

Do you agree?

• Yes

• No

Tick (/) for possible warning signs of self-harming act one might inflict.

• Unexplained injuries (cuts, bruises, burns)

• Wearing long sleeves even in hot weather

• Isolating from peers/family

• Sudden mood changes or irritability

Pick the correct actions to be taken in self-harming.

• Recognize signs early

• Remain calm and non-judgmental

• Speak privately with the child

• Never inform the parents

What are the best prevention and strategies that can be implemented in the school setting?

• Build student-teacher trust relationships

• Promote safe expression (journaling, art, sports)

• Train teachers on emotional literacy

• Whole-school mental health program

Self-harm always indicates a person wants to die

• True

• False

The age group that are mainly associated with self-harm acts is

• 0-5

• 6-10

• 11-25

• 30-50