What is cutting?

Injuring yourself on purpose by making scratches or cuts on your body with a sharp object, enough to break the skin and make it bleed. The latest aggregated research has found generally similar rates of self-harm between girls and boys.

People may cut themselves on their wrists, arms, legs, or bellies. Some people self-injure by burning their skin with the end of a cigarette or lighted match.

Cutting is a way some people try to cope with the pain of strong emotions, intense pressure, or upsetting relationship problems. They may be dealing with feelings that seem too difficult to bear, or bad situations they think can't change.

In recent years, movies and TV shows have drawn attention to it, prompting greater numbers of teens and tweens to try it. Go to any school and ask, "Do you know anyone who cuts?" Everybody knows someone. That might be a great way to start a conversation

What Parents Should Do

When parents suspect a problem, they are usually at a loss of how to approach their child. Be direct. Don't act out of anger or let yourself become hysterical. Express concern. Your kid may not talk until they're ready. It's better to open up the door, let them know you're aware of this. That you're not going to punish them, that you're just concerned. And if they don't come to you, go to someone.