What is self-harm?

Self-harm is when someone intentionally sets out to harm themselves. This may be an impulsive act or may be planned.

Young people self-harm in different ways with the most common methods being:

  • Cutting and scratching
  • Self-poisoning
  • Burning
  • Hitting or punching oneself
  • Head banging and hair pulling
  • Engaging in risky behaviour

Around half of young people who self-harm will harm themselves more than once.

Last updated: 15 August, 2016