Harm minimisation techniques

← Back to Self-Harm Professional Resource Hub home page

Harm minimisation refers to maximising safety in the event of self-harm – essentially ‘safer’ self-harm. Harm minimisation strategies aim to reduce the risk of injury or serious harm for children and young people who may be self-harming, particularly when they are not yet ready or able to stop.

The goal isn’t to encourage self-harm, but to keep them as safe as possible while working towards longer-term change. This should always be done within a wider framework of safety planning, support and ongoing risk assessment.

Examples of harm minimisation techniques

Harm minimisation might include:

• Wound care awareness. A child or young person should understand basic wound care and cleanliness to reduce the risk of infections or complications. They should also know the signs that they need medical attention, for example, heavy or uncontrollable bleeding.
• Reducing isolation. The child or young person should be encouraged to stay connected to others during high-risk times, even if they’re not ready or able to talk about their feelings.
• Delay and distraction techniques. These techniques can help the child or young person to delay the act of self-harm until the urge to hurt themselves gets less intense.
• Access to support. The child or young person should know who they can contact in a crisis or an emergency, including trusted adults and crisis services.

Other strategies and resources

← Back to Self-Harm Professional Resource Hub home page