--- title: 'Supporting a pupil who is self-harming' url: 'https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/school-life/tips-for-teachers/supporting-a-pupil-who-is-self-harming' markdown: 'https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/school-life/tips-for-teachers/supporting-a-pupil-who-is-self-harming.md' date: '2026-03-09' description: 'Teachers and school staff may sometimes worry that a child in their care is experiencing significant emotional distress - including coping behaviours that may be unsafe. Research suggests that Risk-related behaviours can affect a significant number of young people, and it can be difficult to know how to respond calmly and appropriately in a school setting. This expert-led film offers clear, practical guidance for UK primary school staff and those supporting pupils during the transition to secondary school. You’ll learn: How to recognise subtle warning signs of emotional distress How to start a calm, supportive conversation What to say (and what not to say) if a pupil opens up What to do if a child is in crisis When and how to follow safeguarding procedures How to provide ongoing, consistent support Why it’s important for staff to seek support too This guidance reflects best practice in UK safeguarding and is designed to support teachers, teaching assistants, pastoral leads, DSLs and SENCOs in responding to concerns safely and compassionately. This film does not provide medical advice. It offers general educational guidance to help school staff respond appropriately and in line with their school’s safeguarding policy.' taxonomy: category: - 'Mental Health' tag: - 'Self Harm' type: - Video contributor: - 'Samantha Wrightson' - 'Dr Sian Williams' --- # Tips for Teachers - How to support a pupil who is self-harming [ Self Harm ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Self%20Harm) [ ![Nip in the Bud](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/themes/nitb/images/logos/round-logo.png) ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/about-us "About Nip in the Bud") ![Dr Sian Williams](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/06.about-us/02.authors-and-experts/dr-sian-williams/dr-sian-williams.jpg) Speaker [Dr Sian Williams](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/about-us/authors-and-experts/dr-sian-williams)speaker Duration: 0h 5m 27s Published: November 2025 Teachers and school staff may sometimes worry that a child in their care is experiencing significant emotional distress - including coping behaviours that may be unsafe. Research suggests that Risk-related behaviours can affect a significant number of young people, and it can be difficult to know how to respond calmly and appropriately in a school setting. This expert-led film offers clear, practical guidance for UK primary school staff and those supporting pupils during the transition to secondary school. You’ll learn: - How to recognise subtle warning signs of emotional distress - How to start a calm, supportive conversation - What to say (and what not to say) if a pupil opens up - What to do if a child is in crisis - When and how to follow safeguarding procedures - How to provide ongoing, consistent support - Why it’s important for staff to seek support too This guidance reflects best practice in UK safeguarding and is designed to support teachers, teaching assistants, pastoral leads, DSLs and SENCOs in responding to concerns safely and compassionately. This film does not provide medical advice. It offers general educational guidance to help school staff respond appropriately and in line with their school’s safeguarding policy. --- Was this helpful? 0 0 Share: [ Previous Post](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/school-life/tips-for-teachers/anxious-pupils-tips-for-teachers) [Next Post ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/school-life/tips-for-teachers/how-to-support-a-pupil-with-disordered-eating) #### Other Related Posts: ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/05.mental-health/05.self-harm/understanding-self-harm/self-harm.jpg) ### Video: Understanding Self-Harm [Video: Understanding Self-Harm](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/mental-health/self-harm/understanding-self-harm) Self-harm is when you hurt yourself as a way of dealing with very difficult feelings, painful memories or overwhelming situations and experiences. It can… [ Self Harm ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Self%20Harm) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/05.mental-health/05.self-harm/emilys-journey-from-self-harm-to-recovery/emiy-self-harm.jpg) ### Video: Emily's Journey from Self-Harm to recovery [Video: Emily's Journey from Self-Harm to recovery](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/mental-health/self-harm/emilys-journey-from-self-harm-to-recovery) Emily talks about her journey through self-harm to recovery and what she would say to her 13-year-old self. [ Lived Experience ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Lived%20Experience) [ Self Harm ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Self%20Harm) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/05.mental-health/05.self-harm/self-harm-in-children/emiy-self-harm.jpg) ### Video: Self Harm in Children [Video: Self Harm in Children](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/mental-health/self-harm/self-harm-in-children) This film sees Dr Sian Williams give parents and carers who discover that their child is self-harming advice and tips to help them feel empowered, and… [ Anxiety ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Anxiety) [ Depression ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Depression) [ Self Harm ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Self%20Harm) --- ## Navigation - Parent: [Tips for Teachers](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/school-life/tips-for-teachers.md) - Previous: [How to support a pupil with disordered eating](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/school-life/tips-for-teachers/how-to-support-a-pupil-with-disordered-eating.md) - Next: [Anxious pupils: tips for teachers](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/school-life/tips-for-teachers/anxious-pupils-tips-for-teachers.md)