Non-suicidal self-injury--the deliberate destruction of body tissue without suicidal intent--has become relatively common among U.S. adolescents: 18 percent of school-based youth report self-injuring at least once. The authors give suggestions and vetted resources for how schools can safely address the issue of self-injury, in ways that let…

Data from anonymous surveys reveal that about 15-20 percent of teenagers have engaged in self-injurious behavior, such as cutting. For many, these behaviors stem from their frantic efforts to relieve the painful and intense emotions state that often come with being a teenager. Although self-injury is not necessarily a suicide attempt, it puts a…

Discusses dysfunctional behavior patterns and early signs of vulnerability linked to adolescent suicide. Early childhood teachers have the greatest opportunities to identify these behaviors and break destructive patterns. A team approach to addressing individual students' needs works best. Profiles of six young suicides are presented. Includes six…