A flow chart describing the options for a person self-harming at school.

Title: Self-harm at school: what to do? To be used in conjunction with the school’s safeguarding policy.

Three boxes at the top. In the middle: Don’t panic. Left: See to immediate medical needs. Follow first aid guidelines for cuts, wounds or burns. Contact emergency service for overdoses. Right: Speak to the young person to see how they are feeling and provide support. Listen to what they have to say.

Then there is an arrow going down to another box: Speak to head of year, school nurse, school counsellor or safeguarding lead.

Then there is an arrow going down to another box: Think about confidentiality. Should the self-harm be reported to parents/carers? Make sure the young person knows what will be said and to whom.

Then there is an arrow going down to another box: Think about circumstances and potential risks. Risk of mental health problems e.g., depression and anxiety. Risk of potential abuse. Risk of other students self-harming. Risk of further self-harm. Risk of suicide.

Then from this box there are two options.

On the left there is the Higher concerns box: Discuss with CAMHS link worker. Involve parents/carers. Initiate referral for specialist care. Consult with CAMHS on how to manage. Continue with supportive listening while waiting for referral. Refer to Multi-Agency safeguarding Hub if there is immediate risk of harm.

On the right there is the Lower concerns box: Provide a listening ear. Suggest distraction or emotional release techniques. Help the young person think of more effective coping mechanisms. Consider how stresses at school can be reduced.