Self-Harm Reporting Discussion Guide

This guide is designed to help you lead a thoughtful, supportive, and safe discussion about recognizing self-harm and understanding the importance of reporting it. Use these questions and prompts as a framework to ensure everyone feels heard and supported.

Setting the Stage

• Establish a Safe Space: Remind students that this is a confidential conversation. Emphasize that everyone's feelings and observations are important and deserve respect.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Ground Rules: Encourage listening without judgment. Explain that if anyone feels overwhelmed, it's okay to take a break or ask for help from the teacher.

Discussion Questions

Understanding Feelings and Safety

• What does it mean to feel safe in our classroom?
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Can you think of a time when you felt unsure or scared? What helped you feel better?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Recognizing Signs of Self-Harm

• How do you think someone might show they are hurting inside, even if they don't say it directly?
  
  
  
  
  
  
• What are some signs that might indicate a friend could be hurting themselves? (For example, feeling very sad, withdrawing from friends, or talking about sadness often.)
  
  
  
  
  
  

Speaking Up and Reporting

• Why do you think it is important to tell an adult if you think someone is hurting themselves?
  
  
  
  
  
  
• What might be some ways to report that someone is in need, without making them feel worse?
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Who are some trusted adults you can speak to if you feel worried about yourself or a friend?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Role-Play Reflection

• After the role-playing activity, ask: "How did talking about these topics in our role-play make you feel?"
  
  
  
  
  
  
• What did you learn about the best ways to speak up if you think someone might be hurting themselves?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Wrap-Up

• Recap: Summarize the discussion by highlighting that recognizing when someone is hurting and speaking up is a way of caring for each other.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Reassurance: Emphasize that everyone gets help when they need it and that it's brave to ask for assistance.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Final Reminder: Let students know that the teacher and other trusted adults are always available if they, or someone they know, need help.

This guide is here to support you in fostering an environment of care and trust. Your leadership in discussing these issues can make a big difference in helping your students feel safe and valued.

Role-Playing Scenario Cards

Below are several scenario cards designed to help you practice identifying situations where someone might be struggling and need help with self-harm. Use these cards in your group work. Each card provides a brief description of a situation, along with discussion prompts and actions for reporting.

Card 1: The Silent Struggle

Scenario:
Alex has become very quiet lately. At recess, Alex spends time alone, and you notice that Alex's clothing seems to hide long sleeves even on warm days.

Discussion Prompts:

• What are some reasons someone might choose to be alone?
• How might Alex be feeling even if they don't speak about it?

Actions:

• Discuss with your group who could be a trusted adult to share concerns about Alex.
• Role-play a conversation where one friend gently suggests sharing their feelings with an adult.
  
  
  
  
  
  

Card 2: The Hidden Hurt

Scenario:
Jordan has been drawing images that show sadness and has started to mention feeling “invisible”. Over time, you notice Jordan writing secret notes on scrap paper and crumpling them up.

Discussion Prompts:

• What might these drawings and notes indicate about Jordan's emotional state?
• How can you know if a friend is asking for help quietly?

Actions:

• Decide on trusted adults or friends you could talk to about your concerns.
• Act out a scenario in which you notice Jordan’s behavior and encourage them to talk to someone who can help.
  
  
  
  
  
  

Card 3: The Overwhelmed Friend

Scenario:
Sam has mentioned feeling very sad and has said that sometimes the pain inside is too much. Recently, friends have observed that Sam avoids joining activities and has a withdrawn demeanor.

Discussion Prompts:

• What signs did you notice that indicate Sam might be hurting?
• Why is it important to talk to an adult when you notice these feelings in yourself or a friend?

Actions:

• Role-play a conversation where you encourage another friend to speak up.
• Practice describing the changes in behavior clearly to a trusted adult.
  
  
  
  
  
  

These scenario cards are meant to help you explore different situations in a safe, supportive environment. Use them to practice not only recognizing signs of self-harm but also confidently reporting your concerns to help keep everyone safe and supported.

Self-Harm Awareness Activity Sheet

This activity sheet is designed to help you learn about recognizing and reporting self-harm using fun, interactive exercises. Complete each exercise by circling or marking the best answer.

Part 1: Matching Activity

Draw a line or write the correct letter in the space provided to match the sign with the right action.

Signs of Self-Harm:

1. Spending lots of time alone.
   
2. Wearing long sleeves in warm weather.
   
3. Unexplained marks on the skin.
   
4. Feeling very sad all the time.
   
   
   

Actions:

A. Tell a trusted adult like a teacher or school counselor.

B. Gently ask if they want to talk to someone who can help.

C. Notice if your friend seems different and needs extra care.

D. encourage them to share their feelings in a safe place.



Your Matches: ____ ____ ____ ____

Part 2: Multiple Choice Quiz

Circle the best answer for each question:

1. Why should you tell an adult if you suspect a friend is hurting themselves?
   A. Because it keeps everyone safe.
   B. Because it makes you popular.
   C. Because it is fun.

2. Which of the following is a trusted adult you can approach?
   A. Your teacher.
   B. A stranger on the street.
   C. A classmate.

3. What does it mean to be a supportive friend?
   A. Ignoring your friend's problems.
   B. Listening and helping them talk to an adult.
   C. Telling them secrets.

Part 3: Quick Reflection

Use a check or circle your answer to show your feelings:

• Feeling nervous about sharing? Yes / No
  

• Ready to speak up if you see a friend in need? Yes / No
  

Remember: Speaking up helps keep everyone safe!