Self-harm and Suicide

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If you believe a child is in imminent danger, you should contact 999 and let the school and our safeguarding team know.

There are many reasons why people self-harm and some may find it difficult to express why.

Potential Factors for self-harm:

  • Mental health struggles
  • Bullying
  • Low self-esteem
  • Abuse
  • Grief
  • Sense of loss of control in their life

Signs of self-harm:

  • Covering up, especially if inappropriate for weather
  • Unexplained cuts/bruises/burns/marks
  • Withdrawal
  • Low mood
  • Outbursts 
  • Risky behaviour (drinking/drugs)

Suicide Risk:

  • ACEs
  • Life-changing events
  • Drugs and alcohol
  • Social isolation
  • Pre-existing mental health condition
  • Self-harm
  • Physical health condition, especially if chronic pain/serious disability
  • Financial hardship
  • Younger age
  • Male

Signs of suicide risk:

  • Anxiety
  • Irritability/Mood swings
  • Withdrawal
  • Reckless behaviour
  • Sleep changes
  • Problems with school
  • Negative self-talk

Signs someone is more likely to be at risk of suicide:

  • Threatening suicide
  • Talking or writing about death or suicide
  • Thanking people or apologising out of the blue
  • Preparing for their death, such as hoarding medication
  • Getting affairs in order

If you are struggling, please reach out for help. In the introduction, there are resources signposted for your wellbeing. 

References:

NSPPCC - Understanding Child self-harm


Mental Health UK - Suicide

Last modified: Monday, 17 March 2025, 7:22 PM