Disclosures from friends

If a student discloses that their friend or sibling is self-harming, it’s important to reassure them that telling you was the right thing to do, even if it was against their friend or sibling’s wishes.

Let them know that you take their concerns very seriously and their friend will receive the help and support they need.

If you are unsure about how to manage a concern from one student about another, speak with your school’s safeguarding/well-being lead.

You can also consider the following: 

• Ask about how they are feeling and what impact this situation had on them.
• Ask whether they would like to speak to anyone else such as the school counsellor.
• Offer them resources and information about organisations that can support them.
• If they need support, ensure that this is followed-up.
• If the friend/sibling is distressed or concerned, this may be grounds for informing their parents.
• If the disclosure comes from a sibling, ask if their parents already know and if not, how this might be shared with them.

Discuss boundaries that they can put in place to look after themselves at school and at home.

• If they are concerned about their friend/sibling outside of school hours they must speak with a trusted adult immediately.
• If they are worried about a friend harming themselves or being suicidal then they must call 999. They can ask for an adult’s help with this. Explain why this is important.