Self-harm
Self-harm can also be referred to as self-injury or non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Self-harm is when someone directly and deliberately causes physical harm or injury to themselves, usually without suicidal intent. Ākonga may self-harm for different reasons, including as a coping strategy to manage difficult emotions and/or life events (e.g. anxiety, distress, bereavement, grief). Self-harming behaviour can range in severity from minor to severe and can start at any age. As self-harm can cause mental and physical health issues and is a risk factor for suicide, Paparoa Street School has clear procedures in place for intervention and response.
Our kura follows the procedures below to ensure ākonga who self-harm are supported. All kaimahi are made aware of these procedures as part of their kaimahi orientation and/or regular child protection training. If required, we may activate our crisis management plan to guide our response.
Responding to self-harm
Kura response
Kaimahi may notice 
evidence of self-harming or ākonga may disclose that they are self-harming to a kaimahi. If this happens, kaimahi:
Self-harming behaviour may include cutting, burning, fighting, bruising, scratching, engaging in harmful sexual behaviour, or overdosing on medication/drugs without suicidal intent. This behaviour can be difficult to identify and ākonga may keep it a secret.
The signs below do not always indicate an ākonga is self-harming, but can be used to recognise and check in with ākonga about their wellbeing. Possible signs of self-harm may include:
- unexplained cuts, burns, or bruises on the body (especially on the arms and legs)
- continually wearing clothing that is inappropriate for the weather or situation to cover up their body (e.g. long-sleeved or bulky clothing)
- possession of sharp objects that could be used to self-harm such as razors, knives, pins, or needles
- other evidence or references to self-harming in their work.
These signs could also be indicators of abuse. If necessary, we follow the procedures in Abuse Recognition and Reporting to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the ākonga.
- listen calmly to the ākonga without judgement
- offer reassurance and let them know they are not in trouble, but do not make any promises or commitments that cannot be kept
- acknowledge ākonga feelings/emotions and let them know they are not alone
- explain the limits of confidentiality and that senior kaimahi must be informed, to establish support for the ākonga
Privacy refers to the right to have personal information protected. The Privacy Act 2020 outlines how personal information must be collected, stored, used, shared, and disposed. For more information, see Privacy Policy.
Confidentiality refers to the responsibility to ensure personal information is kept secret. Confidential information may be shared if it is in the best interests of the ākonga. See Sharing Ākonga Personal Information with External Agencies.
- discuss their concerns with the designated person (at Paparoa Street School, this person is the tumuaki) and parents/caregivers (as appropriate), and agree on a plan to ensure ākonga safety
- follow the procedures under Preventing and Responding to Suicide, if there appears to be any risk of suicide
Kaiako are not counsellors, psychologists, or mental health specialists. Trained counsellors or other mental health professional can carry out assessments and screen for suicidal risk. Kaiako are not responsible for examining the degree of risk or deciding the level or form of intervention needed.
Mental health education: A guide for teachers, leaders, and school boards 
(Tāhūrangi – New Zealand Curriculum)
- follow the guidelines in Recording and Reporting Injuries and Illness as appropriate.
Peers or friends may also notice or have concerns that someone is self-harming. They are encouraged to inform a kaiako or kaimahi so that the kura can follow the appropriate procedures and arrange support for the affected ākonga.
We work with the ākonga, parents/caregivers, and relevant health professionals, as appropriate, to set up and maintain support at kura and outside of kura. A support or safety plan may be developed and kaimahi may monitor the behaviour and wellbeing of the ākonga.
Parent/Caregiver concerns
In line with our whole-kura approach to wellbeing, we encourage parents/caregivers to inform the kura if they are concerned that their tamaiti may be self-harming. This helps the kura take appropriate actions to ensure the ākonga is safe while at kura. Parents/Caregivers may work closely with relevant kaimahi to support the ākonga as necessary.
Responding to a self-harm incident that takes place at kura
If an ākonga self-harms at kura, this may cause considerable distress to other ākonga and kaimahi. If this happens, kaimahi:
- provide first aid as needed, following the guidelines in Managing Injuries and Illness as required, and notify relevant kaimahi and parents/caregivers
- move the injured ākonga away from others if it is safe to do so
- request further assistance if necessary
- stay with the injured ākonga to ensure their safety (i.e. to stop them self-harming again)
- follow the procedures in Searches, Surrender, and Retention of Property to request the surrender of any harmful item(s) that the ākonga may have used to self-harm
- discuss next steps with the designated person (at Paparoa Street School, this person is the tumuaki), and agree on a plan to support the ākonga, which may include checking for suicide risk and working with a health professional as appropriate
Kaiako are not counsellors, psychologists, or mental health specialists. Trained counsellors or other mental health professional can carry out assessments and screen for suicidal risk. Kaiako are not responsible for examining the degree of risk or deciding the level or form of intervention needed.
Mental health education: A guide for teachers, leaders, and school boards (Tāhūrangi – New Zealand Curriculum)
- activate the crisis management plan and request support from the Ministry of Education's Traumatic Incident team, if appropriate and depending on the nature of the event
- follow the guidelines in Recording and Reporting Accidents, Injuries, and Illness.
After the incident, kaimahi work collaboratively with the ākonga, family/whānau, and support services as appropriate to monitor ongoing wellbeing. If any concerns arise, we review the support or safety plan and take additional actions as needed.
Recording self-harm concerns
We record information about ākonga wellbeing concerns in our school management system. This includes documenting concerns, conversations, incidents, contact with parents/caregivers or external agencies, advice received, actions taken (including rationale), and any follow-up, support, or monitoring plans.
If an ākonga self-harms at kura and may be given first aid, we also follow the appropriate recording and reporting processes for such circumstances. See Recording and Reporting Accidents, Injuries, and Illness.
Recording processes comply with our Privacy and Kura Records Retention and Disposal procedures.
Support for others
We recognise that a self-harm incident can impact other ākonga, particularly if the incident took place at kura. We take appropriate actions to support affected ākonga who may experience a range of emotions after the incident.
Kaimahi and other members of our kura community affected by incidents of self-harm are encouraged to seek support through health professionals and support services. Kaimahi may seek support through kaiārahi matua and an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) if available.
For kaimahi concerns about colleagues at risk of self-harm, see Kaimahi Wellbeing and Safety.
Legislation
- Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
- Children's Act 2014
Resources
: Term 4 2022, Term 3 2019, Term 4 2018
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