ABSTRACT
Primary aged children hurt themselves in many different ways, but only rarely do they intend this to be life-threatening. It is more often an attempt at coping with feelings that are overwhelming. The reaction of the body to physical harm is to produce endorphins which act as pain relief. This can begin a negative cycle, so action needs to be taken promptly to help students learn alternative positive coping strategies. Often the behaviour is secretive as pupils are ashamed and know that the behavior can be alarming to adults when uncovered.
