Self Injury

[lovepink]

So... we are begining to see a problem with kids giving themselves eraser burns. I am speaking with the grade level that has this most rampantly about it this afternoon and will be talking about the seriousness of this as well as the risk for infection and all that. It seems that i wil need to speak with another level too, one of my students told me about some of the kids "scratching" themselves so they can get out of class. I see this as a serious issue and will not take it lightly... any suggestions?

Thanks!!

oh im at an elementary school btw

[noreenl]

This is news to me. Can you tell us a little more about this?

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

To start off, you need to get the school counselor on the same page as you and make sure the situation is well understood by all. While it sounds like it's simply kids leaving marks on themselves to get out of the class room for 5 or 10 minutes, it could go much deeper. The nurse rachet in me says that i'd want to make the treatment effective but unpleasant - perhaps cleaning with alcohol so it stings will dissuade kids from self-injuring to get out of class. A quick call home would place some responsiblity on the parents too - especially with repeat offenders.

You can also try to get trachers on board. Last time i checked, the eraser burn was far from an emergent injury. Children that choose to self injury - unless severly injured or bleeding, can only come during a free time such as recess. If the teacher does not give in to what they want then the behavior should subside.

[NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN]

I saw this too when I worked in school health. I used to have a second grade girl bite her arm and leave huge bruises. I notified the parent and got the school consuelor involved. It is a huge problem and should be investigated.