About this course
This course equips youth care professionals, educators, counselors, and social workers with the knowledge and skills to identify, understand, and respond effectively to self-harm behaviors in youth. Learners will explore definitions, types, risk factors, warning signs, motivations, prevention strategies, and best practices for supporting young people at risk. The course also covers group dynamics, media influences, legal responsibilities, and resources for ongoing support.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Define self-harm and distinguish it from suicidal behavior
- Identify common and less obvious forms of self-harm in youth
- Recognize psychological, familial, and social risk factors and triggers
- Detect warning signs and behavioral indicators of self-harm
- Apply best practices for engaging and supporting youth who self-harm
- Implement prevention strategies and recommend alternative coping mechanisms
- Understand group dynamics, media influences, and referral protocols