More and more professionals in the field of education have to deal with this phenomenon and need to know how to deal with these increasingly frequent cases among the adolescent population.

It is recommended that schools have a response protocol outlining the general procedures to follow, although each case is unique, and protocols need to be flexible and individualized. The key points that a protocol for responding to a student who self-harms should include are the following:

• How to identify self-harm.
• How, when, and who should evaluate the case.
• Roles and functions of professionals.
• When and how to contact the parents or an external professional.
• Standards and guidelines for risk assessment.