Here for someone

Children and teenagers · For supporters

I have found out my child is self-harming

You may feel frightened, upset or unsure what to say. This page helps you find the next conversation and professional support.

Do they need medical help now?

For serious injury, a suicide attempt, life at risk or if you cannot keep them safe, call 999 or go to A&E. Call 999 or go to A&E for a possible overdose or if they may have swallowed something harmful, even if they seem well. If you are unsure about an injury, seek urgent medical advice. Urgent help for your child, by UK nation.

Independent signposting for adults supporting under-18s. Not clinically reviewed; legal information has not had specialist legal review. How we use sources.

For detailed child-specific support, start with YoungMinds’ self-harm guide for parents. The questions below help you arrange care and support for yourself.

Start with a calm conversation

Choose a private moment if there is no emergency. Let them know you are concerned and want to understand, rather than punish them. Listen without demanding an explanation. You could say: “I'm glad I know. I care about you, and I want us to get some help.”

Self-harm does not always mean someone wants to die, but it needs to be taken seriously. If you are worried about suicide, use the suicide-concerns route; do not judge safety from the appearance of an injury.

Get help for the child, and advice for you

Contact their GP or existing children's mental health team. Explain what you know and ask about assessment and support. You can seek advice even if they do not want to attend. Preparing for the GP, referrals and waiting.

YoungMinds' self-harm guide for parents has fuller advice about talking and supporting a child. We do not reproduce injury treatment or harm-minimisation techniques here.

Questions to ask their team

  • What should we do if it happens again, or we are unsure about an injury?
  • Can you help us make a safety plan with our child, including advice about safety at home?
  • Who can we contact outside appointments, including evenings and weekends?
  • How can school help without sharing more than is needed?

A plan needs professional input and review as circumstances change. You should not have to assess or manage risk alone.

You need support too

Tell the team what you can realistically manage, including the effect on sleep, work and siblings. Find support for yourself. YoungMinds' current parent support options are for parents and main carers; check availability on its service page. It is not emergency care.

Sources and review status

Scope: adults supporting a child or teenager under 18 in the UK. NHS urgent-help guidance governs emergency actions; nation-specific NHS and statutory sources govern local routes. YoungMinds adds supporter conversation and service-navigation advice.

Last full source check: 12 October 2026

This is a source and signposting check, not clinical approval or a specialist legal review. Local service eligibility and availability must be checked with the provider.

Independent information, not a medical or crisis service. This guidance has not been clinically reviewed. How we use sources.

← Children and teenagers