Supplemental Material for Strong Schools Against Suicidality and Self-Injury: Evaluation of a Workshop for School Staff

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which involves deliberate damage to body tissue without suicidal intent, has long been a concern for schools and school staff. Secondary schools are an ideal setting in which to identify, and appropriately refer, students who self-injure as well as implement evidence-based prevention and early intervention programs. However, in the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic, schools have been closed and students sent home to learn online. This may result in the exacerbation of existing anxieties and pose several new stressors that cumulatively may increase risk of NSSI. In this article, we draw on recent research and our collective experience working with schools, as well as digital mental health, to outline some of these potential stressors and offer resources for school staff to help students who are engaging in or at risk of NSSI.

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Strong schools against suicidality and self-injury: Evaluation of a workshop for school staff.

School Psychology Quarterly ◽

10.1037/spq0000185 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 32 (2) ◽

pp. 188-198 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Rebecca Groschwitz ◽

Lara Munz ◽

Joana Straub ◽

Isabelle Bohnacker ◽

Paul L. Plener

Keyword(s):

School Staff ◽

Self Injury

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Erratum to: “We’re Working in the Dark Here”: Education Needs of Teachers and School Staff Regarding Student Self-Injury

School Mental Health ◽

10.1007/s12310-014-9135-7 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 6 (4) ◽

pp. 295-295

Author(s):

Emily Berger ◽

Penelope Hasking ◽

Andrea Reupert

Keyword(s):

School Staff ◽

Self Injury ◽

Education Needs

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Safety first: The role of trust and school safety in non-suicidal self-injury

McGill Journal of Education ◽

10.7202/1009175ar ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 46 (3) ◽

pp. 423-441 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Rick Nelson Noble ◽

Michael J. Sornberger ◽

Jessica R. Toste ◽

Nancy L. Heath ◽

Rusty McLouth

Keyword(s):

School Environment ◽

School Safety ◽

School Staff ◽

Perceived Safety ◽

School Settings ◽

Self Injury ◽

School Trust ◽

Being Bullied ◽

Safety First

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) has become very prominent among adolescents in middle and high school settings. However, little research has evaluated the role of the school environment in the behaviour. This study examined whether indices of school trust and perceived safety were predictive of NSSI behaviour. Results indicate that these variables allow us to more accurately identify participants who engage in NSSI. Students who report being bullied and threatened, and who have less trust in specific members of school staff are more likely to engage in NSSI.

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Position paper for guiding response to non-suicidal self-injury in schools

School Psychology International ◽

10.1177/0143034316678656 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 37 (6) ◽

pp. 644-663 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Penelope A. Hasking ◽

Nancy L. Heath ◽

Michael Kaess ◽

Stephen P. Lewis ◽

Paul L. Plener ◽

...

Keyword(s):

School Environment ◽

Best Practice ◽

School Setting ◽

Position Paper ◽

School Staff ◽

Clinical Expertise ◽

School Settings ◽

Best Practice Guidelines ◽

Self Injury ◽

Starting Point

Around the world, school staff are increasingly expressing concern about nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and how best to address this behavior in the school setting. However, there is a notable lack of informed guidance for schools, and clear inconsistencies in the practices school staff adopt. In this position paper we draw on our collective research and clinical expertise to provide best-practice guidelines for addressing NSSI in school settings. We outline the importance of a school protocol, and the key features all school protocols should contain. We also focus on how schools can minimize contagion of NSSI within their school environment. We believe these guidelines will be an important starting point for schools interested in developing an evidence-based approach to addressing NSSI.

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