Hello and welcome

Thank you for contacting Ask Robyn. Discovering that a child is self-harming can be very overwhelming, so thank you for reaching out for advice. Stopping a child from self-harming is a sensitive and complex issue, and it is important to approach it with compassion, patience and support.

Stay calm and listen

Firstly, try to stay calm so that you can listen to the child. It is important to remain non-judgemental, allowing the child to talk about what they are feeling and experiencing. When we listen without reacting negatively, it can build trust and show them they are not alone.

Understand self-harm

Self-harm is often a way for children to cope with overwhelming emotions, stress or trauma. Being aware of this can help you guide the child towards appropriate support and interventions.

Encourage connection and support

Encourage the child to talk to a trusted adult. This could be you, their parent, teacher, or another adult they feel safe with. The child can also contact Childline for free, confidential support on 1800 66 66 66, or chat online at childline.ie.

Explore healthy coping strategies

Help the child find alternative ways to manage their emotions, such as journaling, drawing, physical activity, breathing exercises, or talking to someone they trust.

Seek professional help

It is important to involve mental health professionals. You can contact your GP so that the child can be referred to the relevant services such as CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) or Túsla. A referral to social work services can be made through the Túsla website, where details of your local Duty Social Worker can also be found.

Professional help can also be sought from:

• Jigsaw – mental health support for young people aged 12–25: jigsaw.ie
• Pieta – support for people who self-harm or feel suicidal: pieta.ie
• CAMHS – via referral from a GP

Create a safety plan

If appropriate, work with the child and a professional to create a safety plan. This might include identifying triggers, safe people to talk to, and steps to take when they feel the urge to self-harm.

Show ongoing care and support

Let the child know that you care and are there for them through regular check-ins, so they feel supported and less isolated.

Support for adults

ISPCC also offers support to parents or adults via their Support Line, available Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., on 01 522 4300.

We hopwe you find the above helpful. If you need, please get in touch again, and one of our team will be happy to support you.

Robyn