Understanding

SELF-HARM

in young people.

An introduction for parents and guardians.

What is self-harm?

Self-harm refers to people deliberately hurting their bodies without wanting to die by suicide. It is usually done in secret and on places of the body that may not be seen by others.

The most common type of self-harm is cutting, but there are many other types of self-harm. Self-harming behaviours can happen at any age, and are more common among youth than any other age group. The behaviour often starts in the preteen or early teen years. Self-harming behaviours happen equally in boys, girls and non-binary youth.

For a more comprehensive overview on self-harm, download our information booklet for parents and guardians.
Download Booklet

Watch our video to learn more

Recognising self-harming behaviour

While there can be obvious signs that your child is self-harming, such as exposed cuts and burns, there are some less obvious signs that they may be self-harming.

Look out for unusual marks on your child. Unexplained scars, cuts or even swelling from possibly punching something, can be a sign of a mental health problem. This may become evident if your child declines physical examinations and starts to cover up more.

Other signs include dramatic changes in mood, being secretive, avoiding situations where they have to expose arms or legs, strange excuses for injuries and withdrawing from usual life. However, many of these signs could also be due to a range of other issues or difficulties.

If you suspect that your child may be hurting themselves but you’re not sure, look for these signs:

  • Talking about self-injury
  • Suspicious-looking scars
  • Wounds that don’t heal or get worse
  • Cuts on the same place
  • Increased isolation
  • Collecting sharp tools such as shards of glass, safety pins, nail scissors, etc.
  • Wearing long-sleeved shirts in warm weather
  • Avoiding social activities
  • Wearing a lot of band aids
  • Refusing to go into the locker room or change clothes in school

How can I help my child?

If you discover that your child has been hurting themself, even if they say it was a one-time thing, it’s important to get help. It’s true that young people might experiment with self-injury, especially if they have friends who are doing it, but it’s a serious and dangerous behavior, and you don’t want to ignore what might be a real mental health issue.

Start by listening to your child, so you can begin to understand what is happening and why. Be open to hearing what is happening without judgement and with respect. Let your child know you are there for them. You might find it hard to understand what they’re going through and why they’re reacting in this way, but you can support them.

For more information on how you can help your child, download our information booklet for parents and guardians.
Download Booklet

Useful support

www.olli.chat
Richmond’s free, 24/7 webchat offering emotional support and practical guidance.
www.kellimni.com
A free, 24/7 support service managed by SOS Malta.
Aġenzija Żgħażagħ
Provides youths with a safe space to express views, needs and concern.
Youth in Focus Service
Provides social work intervention to adolescents and young persons.

Other mental health conditions