This briefing on addressing self-harming behaviour (PDF) provides guidance for people in sports organisations on supporting young people who may be intentionally damaging or injuring themselves.
Author: NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU)
Published: March 2020
Summary
Self-harm is when somebody intentionally damages or injures themselves. It is often a way of dealing with difficult feelings, painful memories or overwhelming situations and experiences. It is thought to affect around 1 in 5 young people.
People involved in sport and activity can help by:
- recognising self-harming behaviour
- knowing how to talk with a young person who may be self-harming
- referring the young person to support services
Sports organisation should aim to create a healthy environment where it is understood that everyone needs to look after their mental health and wellbeing in the same way that we look after our physical health.
Related resources
- Mental health and wellbeing – CPSU topic pages
- Addressing suicidal thoughts and feelings – CPSU briefing paper
- Sample mental health and wellbeing statement – CPSU sample statement
Further information
- Depression, anxiety and mental health – NSPCC website
- Responding to issues of self-harm and thoughts of suicide in young people (pdf) – advice from the Welsh Government