Preventing Self-Harm and Suicide in Children and Young People

The Life Matters is committed to understanding and addressing the factors that contribute to self-harm and suicide among children and young people. Research into these complex issues underpins our approach to early intervention and prevention.

Structured tools, such as expressive writing, provide children with a safe way to express themselves, supporting emotional wellbeing and reducing the risk of self-harm and suicidal behaviour.

Importance of Early Intervention

• Early action saves lives: Timely intervention leads to improved outcomes.

• Policy-aligned approach: Supports NHS mental health initiatives and national guidance in schools.

• Risk reduction: Enabling children to express themselves and be heard can prevent escalation to crisis situations.

• Trust-building: Collaboration with schools, families, and communities fosters safe, supportive environments for children.

Evidence-Based Support

• National guidelines (NHS, NICE) affirm that early, child-focused mental health interventions are effective.

• Interventions rooted in lived experience and structured support improve emotional regulation and resilience.

Key Statistics

Self-Harm in Children and Young People

• 1 in 6 children aged 5–16 in the UK may experience a mental health condition.

• Self-harm is most common among girls aged 13–17, with rates rising significantly since 2010.

• 21.5% of 17–19-year-olds report self-harm or attempted suicide.

• Approximately 1 in 10 secondary school pupils report self-harming in the past year.

Suicide in Children and Young People

• Suicide is the leading cause of death among young people aged 10–24 in the UK.

• Suicide rates among children aged 10–14 more than doubled between 2010 and 2020.

• LGBTQ+ young people are four times more likely to attempt suicide compared to heterosexual peers.

• Around 200 school-aged children die by suicide annually in the UK.

Contributing Factors

• Bullying, including cyberbullying

• Academic pressure

• Family conflict or breakdown

• Identity-related issues (gender, sexuality, race)

• Unmet mental health needs

The Case for Prevention

• 70% of young people who die by suicide had not accessed mental health services in the previous year.

• School-based prevention programmes can reduce self-harm rates by up to 30%.

• Peer support and community engagement improve help-seeking behaviour among at-risk youth.

Our Response

The Life Matters works to prevent self-harm and suicide through:

• School-based education and training initiatives

• Early intervention programmes for children and young people

• Confidential support services

• Collaborative partnerships with local health and social care professionals

References

• NHS Digital, Mental Health of Children and Young People in England (2023)

• The Lancet Psychiatry, 2020

• Young Minds/NHS Survey Data (2023)

• Journal of Adolescence, 2022

• Office for National Statistics (ONS), UK Suicide Data

• British Journal of Psychiatry, 2021

• The Trevor Project National Survey

• Papyrus UK Internal Report

• NICE Suicide Prevention Guidelines

• WHO School-based Suicide Prevention Review, 2021