Page 6 - Guidance for Schools, Colleges, and Youth Services :: Portus

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Recognising self-harm
Self-harm can include anything that causes an harm to more serious or life-threatening harm.
injury but can also be about taking risks. It can also It is important to understand the function and
involve using alcohol or drugs excessively – though purpose of the self-harming behaviour to respond
many children and young people do not see this appropriately.
as self-harm or self-injury. Recognising these Regardless of the extent of the self-harming
behaviours can be as important as those that are
overtly causing harm as listed above. behaviour it is important to recognise that there is
an underlying distress to understand and respond
Self-harm is often a habitual behaviour and to.
exists on a wide spectrum from minimal physical

To understand how self-harm can become habitual,
the diagram below provides an insight into the
cyclical nature of the behaviour.

As a member of staff, you
may wish to get advice and
support to help you work with
the child or young person to
access services.
Further information regarding
the pathway of support for
children and young people
who deliberately self-harm can
be found in this resource.

The Addictive Model of Self-Harming Behaviour (Non-suicidal and Suicidal) - PMC (nih.gov)

Portus - A Safe Space - Guidance on Self-harm and Suicide Prevention for Schools, Colleges and Youth Services.
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