{"id":5374,"date":"2022-03-24T12:09:37","date_gmt":"2022-03-24T12:09:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beta.devon.gov.uk\/schoolssupport\/?post_type=dcc_docs_document&#038;p=5374"},"modified":"2023-11-14T13:40:11","modified_gmt":"2023-11-14T13:40:11","slug":"self-harm-guidance-for-school-staff","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/inclusion\/emotional-health-and-wellbeing\/self-harm\/self-harm-guidance-for-school-staff\/","title":{"rendered":"Self-harm guidance for school staff"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#what-is-self-harm\">What is self-harm?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#why-do-people-self-harm\">Why do people self-harm?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#who-self-harms\">Who self-harms?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#is-there-a-link-to-suicide\">Is there a link to suicide?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#what-do-i-do-if-im-worried-someone-is-self-harming\">What do I do if I\u2019m worried someone is self\u2013harming?<\/a><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#pupil-shows-signs-and-symptoms-of-self-harming\">Pupil shows signs and symptoms of self-harming:<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#undertake-a-risk-assessment-and-create-a-safety-plan\">Undertake a risk assessment and create a \u2018safety\u2019 plan:<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#low-medium-risk\">Low\/ medium risk<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#high-risk-crisis\">High risk\/Crisis<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#who-can-help-in-devon\">Who can help in Devon?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#further-support\">Further Support<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"dcc-documents-cpt-fixed dccdocs-sticky dccdocs-hidden\">\r\n    <div class=\"grid-container\">\r\n        <div class=\"grid-x grid-margin-x\">\r\n            <div class=\"cell medium-12\">\r\n                <a class=\"back-to-top hide-for-print\" href=\"#content\"><svg class=\"app-c-back-to-top__icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"13\" height=\"17\" viewBox=\"0 0 13 17\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M6.5 0L0 6.5 1.4 8l4-4v12.7h2V4l4.3 4L13 6.4z\"><\/path><\/svg> Contents<\/a>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:75%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:41.333%\"><div class=\"document-meta-acf-block clearfix \" id=\"block_8de8a3a3d39062db22dea3a8b138d41c\"><div class=\" dcc-documents-meta\"><div class=\"dcc-documents-widget dcc-documents-widget-block\"><div class=\"dcc-documents-widget-box2\"><p class=\"dcc-documents-published\"><span>Published<\/span> <time datetime=\"2022-03-24T12:09:37+00:00\">24\/03\/2022 12:09pm<\/time><\/p><p class=\"dcc-documents-updated\"><span>Last Updated<\/span> <time datetime=\"2023-11-14T13:40:11+00:00\">14\/11\/2023 1:40pm<\/time><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:58.666%\"><div class=\"document-download-acf-block clearfix \" id=\"block_af956e5467318098f9aa80e1f58d9e42\">\r\n\r\n\t\t<div class=\" dcc-documents-downloads hide-for-print\"><div class=\"dcc-documents-widget dcc-documents-widget-block\"><div class=\"dcc-documents-widget-box2\"><div class=\"content-container\"><div class=\"content-column download-copy\"><h2 class=\"dcc-documents-title\">Document resources<\/strong><\/h2><p class=\"dcc-documents-intro\">These files may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"content-column download-button\"><ul class=\"dcc-documents-widget-dropdown dcc-documents-widget-menu\"><li class=\"dcc-documents-widget-is-dropdown\"><button class=\"button secondary dcc-documents-widget-noarrow dcc-documents-widget-button dcc-documents-widget-download-button\" >Download<\/button><ul id=\"\" class=\"dcc-documents-widget-vertical dcc-documents-widget-menu dcc-documents-widget-is-submenu\" data-disable-hover=\"true\" data-click-open=\"true\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/devoncc.sharepoint.com\/:w:\/s\/PublicDocs\/Education\/EV4O6ZTqBD5FqOz3otjXUmwB3nHWY3wAFx0Abv8g_5QmyA?e=BxSi7L\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"dcc-documents-widget-text\"><span>Self-harm guidance (Document)<\/span><\/span><span class=\"dcc-documents-widget-size\">294KB<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-self-harm\">What is self-harm?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Self-harm is where someone does something to deliberately hurt themselves when they find things difficult to cope with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It can include behaviours such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cutting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Over-dosing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hitting (self and others)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Burning or scalding<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Picking or scratching skin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pulling hair<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ingesting toxic substances<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eating disorders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-do-people-self-harm\">Why do people self-harm?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>People self-harm for lots of different reasons. Sometimes this is because they feel bad about something that has happened to them but often there is no known cause. Self-harming behaviours may have the following functions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>To communicate distress to others<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To relieve unbearable feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To provide soothing and comfort by releasing tension and gaining care from others<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To feel alive if they feel numb due to life experiences<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To punish themselves as they feel shame and self-blame<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To control things in their life when everything feels out of control<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"who-self-harms\">Who self-harms?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There is not a \u2018type\u2019 of person who self-harms. People who self-harm are of any age, religion, sex or background. Both girls and boys self-harm but may use different methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"is-there-a-link-to-suicide\">Is there a link to suicide?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>People often think that there is a link between self-harm and suicide, however, most people who self-harm are not trying to kill themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-do-i-do-if-im-worried-someone-is-self-harming\">What do I do if I\u2019m worried someone is self\u2013harming?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pupil-shows-signs-and-symptoms-of-self-harming\">Pupil shows signs and symptoms of self-harming:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stay calm \u2013 try not to panic or show you feel shocked, even though you may be.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensure all physical wounds are treated before any conversations around the non-physical aspects of self-harm.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do not ignore, punish or criticise the behaviour.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You may want the young person to stop but telling them to stop is not helpful and can be dangerous as it takes away their coping strategy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Listen to them non-judgmentally and try to understand<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Explain about duty of care and confidentiality<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Record concern and inform Designated Child Protection lead<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have an awareness of your own feelings and need for safe support<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be aware of \u2018social contagion\u2019 \u2013 self-harm spreading between members of a group<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"undertake-a-risk-assessment-and-create-a-safety-plan\">Undertake a risk assessment and create a \u2018safety\u2019 plan:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Designated Child Protection lead will work with available information to undertake risk assessment and safety plan \u2013 see Risk Assessment and Safety Plan for Young Person<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inform parents and carers unless clear reason not to.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Relevant course of action will depend on level of risk<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Seek support from other agencies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Document concerns and actions to be taken \u2013 within whole school approach\/policy\/protocol<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"low-medium-risk\">Low\/ medium risk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Identify key adult to work with young person.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support them to stay safe if they continue to self-harm. Help them to minimise risks such as infection.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support them to develop new coping strategies. Other strategies include distraction, flicking a band on their wrist, putting cold ice on their skin, going for a walk.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mentalhealth.org.uk\/publications\/truth-about-self-harm\" rel=\"noopener\">The Truth About Self Harm: for young people and their families and friends<\/a> by the Mental Health Foundation may be useful<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Seek further advice from other agencies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensure there is support for yourself.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"high-risk-crisis\">High risk\/Crisis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Seek immediate medical attention and administer first aid if required<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep calm and give reassurance to pupil and others who may have witnessed the self-harm<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Explain duty of care and confidentiality<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Record concern and inform Designated Child Protection lead<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If child\/ young person is taken to hospital, emergency protocols for treatment and care will be implemented<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If child\/ young person is not taken to hospital, discuss with CAMHS to mark pain if possible. Pain scales may also be helpful.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consider what might be going on for the child outside of school e.g. has there been a change or loss.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Speak to CAMHS if you need further support unpicking the \u2018intention\u2019 of the behaviour \u2013 is this self-harm or is the young person communicating an unmet need? Call the SPA and ask to speak to CAMHS clinician \u2013 <a href=\"tel:03300245321\">0330 0245 321<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"who-can-help-in-devon\">Who can help in Devon?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>CAMHS \u2013 <a href=\"tel:03300245321\">0330 0245 321<\/a><\/strong><br>Call the pre-referral phone line at Single Point of Access to speak to a CAMHS Clinician regarding your concerns and they will advise on next steps and whether a CAMHS referral is appropriate. Have in mind FIDOS: Frequency, Intensity, Duration, Onset, Severity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>School Nurse \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/educationandfamilies\/health\/public-health-nursing\">contact your locality team<\/a><br><\/strong><br><strong>Educational Psychology Service<\/strong><br>Speak to the Educational Psychology Service for support via consultation, staff supervision and training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"further-support\">Further Support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.talkworks.dpt.nhs.uk\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Talk works Depression and Anxiety Service:<\/a> a support service for people aged over 17.5 years with mental health concerns. Can provide face-to-face, group or online support.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinpointdevon.co.uk\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Pinpoint<\/a>: an online directory of local community services.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kooth.com\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Kooth<\/a>: a free online anonymous counselling service for children and young people.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhsinform.scot\/illnesses-and-conditions\/mental-health\" rel=\"noopener\">NHS Inform<\/a>: free and fast access to self-help resources for mental health concerns.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is self-harm? Self-harm is where someone does something to deliberately hurt themselves when they find things difficult to cope with. It can include behaviours [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2436,"featured_media":0,"parent":5392,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"longdocument-template.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-5374","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"updated":"","dccdocs_documents":null,"section-guidance":"","sections":null},"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-05-22 04:03:41","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5374","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2436"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5374"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5374\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23273,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5374\/revisions\/23273"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5392"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5374"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}