Image of a teen boy sitting outside. His back is to the camera and he's looking off into the distance.

Self-harm and teenagers

There are a number of things that you can try to help your teenager with self-harm. If you'd like to understand more about self-harming behaviour, read our fact sheet on self-harm and teenagers.

Otherwise, see below for some ideas on what you can do to help your teenager find other coping skills.

Ask an expert: Self-harm in teenagers

Clinical psychologist Nasalifya Namwinga answers common questions about self-harm and offers expert advice on how to support your teen.

Seeking medical attention

Seek medical attention for self-harm

Learn how to help your teenager seek medical attention for self-harming behaviour. Know when to consult a GP and when to go straight to a hospital’s emergency department.

Man and boy talking on benches

Talk about self-destructive behaviours

Learn how to talk to your teenager about self-harm and potentially destructive behaviour.

father talking to son

Positive coping skills for self-harm

Learn how to support your teenager to develop positive coping skills to prevent self-harm.

Parent talking to child

A parent's story about self-harm

Read Rick's story about his son Carl who was self-harming.

Yellow socks on person lying on bed with legs crossed

A teenager's story about self-harm

A teenager learns the importance of trust after eventually opening up to her mother about self-harm.

Related topics

Stress in teenagersDepression in teenagersRisk-taking in teenagersTalking with your teen about mental health
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We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

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