one of my mates has been cutting themself.. should i tell a teacher about this, or even their parents?

Answer 1

Oh my, a big decision. Your friend is clearly very distressed about something. Intellectualy you know that you should tell somebody but doing that you risk betraying your friends trust and possibly losing their friendship. I think you know the answer to this. Your friend needs help, you must tell somebody. Obviously you are concerned about the affect on your friendship but in the long run your friend will understand that you are acting in their best interest. As for who to tell, that presents its own problems. How well do you know the family? How are your friends parents likely to react? It could be the self harm is because of problems at home. This is a judgement call on your part but if in doubt I would speak to a teacher first. They are given some training in dealing with this kind of problem, or if your school has a welfare officer go to them.

Self harm is normally a cry for help, your friend is lucky you are listening to that cry.

Answer 2

Cutting oneself is a sure sign that there is a major problem and yes tell the parents not necessary the teacher if it got out you maybe would add to the problem you are a good friend

Answer 3

instructors are required by regulation to document suspected abuse, and instructors won't be able to be sued in the adventure that they make a decision with reliable intentions and it seems the father or mom did not abuse the youngster. contained when it comes to self mutilation (cutting), a instructor would no longer be required to call a father or mom, yet instructors also signal a testimony of moral personality, which ability being a great, upstanding citizen, they ought to inform both the make sure or a school counselor. cutting might want to correctly be a demonstration of something else being incorrect contained in the youngster's life, or the youngster might want to correctly be in favor of help. As a instructor, i'd tell the counselor and enable her comprehend the student's needs, and enable him/her make the decision to the guardians.

Answer 4

Yes! Talk to a guidance counselor or school nurse about it. They can get ahold of professionals to help and help inform your friend's parents. Your friend needs help, and it needs to come from a professional. You can still be supportive to your friend, though s/he may not like that you are telling, it is best for them.

Answer 5

Well, first i would suggest that you approach them and see what is going on with them. They are probably in a lot of pain and are having trouble dealing with it. If you do want to talk to them (it may be hard but i highly suggest it) you shouldn't blame them or anything like that. Don't say things like "your weak" or "you just want attention" or "why are you being so stupid" and such. They are already very likely in an extremely vunerable position, and you would only aggravate the situation if you did that. Don't get mad at them, or be offended by thier behaviour, let them know that you want to help them and to understand what is going on with them. They may lash out, try not to lash back or anythign because they are likely in pain, and probaby want you to fight back anyways. It's just not worth getting mad at them. You just need to make it clear to them that you want to help them and that you are concerned. Don't make an ultimatum like "if you don't stop cutting yourself i will not talk to you anymore" or "i won't talk to you until you are no longer cutting yourself" that just puts more stress on them and you and they never work in the long run. Do demean them or put them down or make them feel like they are a freak, like i said they are extremely vunerable right now and you should approach the situation carefully. Don't confront him/her in a negative or attacking way (i also self harm and my friends tried that with me) believe me it wont work. You have to be very sensitive with this. But don't let them believe you think what they are doing is ok or normal, but don't make them think you think they are a freak. I don't know if any of what i have said makes sense, but i hope it did. Now, i would definetly suggest you tell someone. Your friend may convince you nothing is wrong or that they are going to stop, that's not very likely. They are in pain, and they are likely crying for help, but don't know how to get it. i would suggest that you tell a teacher first, they will (hopefully) listen and inform the parents, and you will be left out of it hopefully so your friend won't get upset at you. You may want to go striaght to the source though so that the message gets through and just tell the parents straight up. Just make sure that someone takes the situaiton seriously and doesn't just push it off like nothing is going on. Actually, you should probably tell the school counsellor rather than a teacher (unless you are far more comftorable with a specific teacher and trust them) because they are trained in this sort of thing and would most likely know what to do to help your friend. Yes, i think a school counsellor may be your best bet right now. But you need to tell someone. The average life span of a self hammer is 7 years (they kill themselves). not saying that your friend is suicidal nesscarily, but it is a very important and serious situation. I don't know what else to say. If you want to ask more questions or just talk about how this is making you feel or whatever you need feel free to emial me. Best of luck with whatever you choose!

-sarah

Answer 6

yes. yes. yes. If you dont tell someone now thing will get MUCH worse, I have been in the same position as you...It took courage but I did tell her parents and it was worth it. Yes she did hate me for a few weeks but then she realised that I did the right thing and she thanked me. I have never regretted what I did. PLEASE HELP YOUR FRIEND AND TELL HER PARENTS. all the best

Answer 7

Yes!! It will be for there own good. But be ready to have your mate mad at you for awhile. You will be doing your friend some good by telling an adult what is going on. They need help....

...and they need good friends like you to be strong for them......

Answer 8

They might hate you for it at first, but they're thank you for it later. Tell his parents or someone you know he trusts that is mature enough to really handle it and help him get help. (or her, sorry, don't know the gender)

Answer 9

Try brigning it up to them. Tell them you really apreciate them and they should stop that nasty habit and if they wont tell that person you will tell an adult and follow through on that if necessary.

Answer 10

of course their parents. if you want youre friend to be safe thats the best thing to do.