Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is prevalent in children and adolescents and is associated with increased risk for a myriad of negative mental health outcomes. One in five youth report having engaged in NSSI with an onset typically occurring around age 13 and 14. (Esposito et al., 2023). Youth who engage in NSSI also report more mental health concerns (e.g., depression, anxiety, trauma) and experience more interpersonal difficulties, lower school connectedness, and poorer academic performance compared to those who do not engage in NSSI. NSSI has also been linked to a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Despite the prevalence of and risks associated with NSSI, knowledge of NSSI is limited and stigmatized within educational settings. This practice brief includes a general description of NSSI, prevention, and assessment strategies including developing a school protocol, intervention strategies, and additional resources.

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), also referred to as deliberate self-harm or self-mutilation, is the deliberate infliction of harm to one’s own body without the intent to die and for purposes that are not socially sanctioned, such as tattoos and body piercing. Tattoos and body piercings are not considered NSSI unless there is the intention to harm the body.

NSSI refers to a variety of behaviors, including intentional cutting, carving, puncturing, scratching, burning, ripping or pulling skin or hair, and self-bruising (Cipriano et al., 2017; Gratz et al., 2015). When considering NSSI, it is important to consider the severity level of the delivery method. Assessing the severity of the method can aid school personnel in providing more targeted and comprehensive support and intervention for the individual engaging in NSSI (Muehlenkamp et al., 2019).

There are important distinctions between those who engage in NSSI and those who have suicidal ideation. Although there are multiple reasons why individuals engage in NSSI, it is primarily viewed as an attempt to cope with overwhelming negative emotions. As NSSI is considered a maladaptive coping strategy, it is associated with emotional and physical distress, poor academic performance, and less sense of belonging at school and does increase the risk of suicide; it is essential that educators understand NSSI and how to intervene at school (Hasking et al., 2020; Lewis et al., 2020; McEvoy et al., 2023).

This practice brief includes a general description of NSSI, prevention, and assessment strategies, including developing a school protocol, intervention strategies, and additional resources.

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