An in-school program can reduce self-destructive behaviors by building protective skills, strengthening relationships, and improving access to help. When these efforts are coordinated across the whole school, they can lower distress, self-harm, and suicidality among students.
Teach skills and mental health literacy
Many effective school programs combine psychoeducation (learning about mental health and self-harm) with practical skill-building such as coping, emotion regulation, and problem solving. When teens understand what they are feeling and have concrete strategies to manage intense emotions, they are less likely to turn to self-injury, substance use, or other harmful behaviors as coping tools.
Foster supportive relationships and belonging
Programs that intentionally connect students with caring adults, trained peers, and group activities increase teens’ sense of belonging and self‑esteem, which are key buffers against self-destructive behavior. Identifying “go-to” staff and peer leaders, creating support groups, and involving parents as partners help at-risk teens feel seen and supported instead of isolated.
Create a safe, responsive school climate
Whole‑school approaches work on making the environment safer and more supportive through clear rules, anti-bullying work, and consistent adult monitoring and follow‑through. When students perceive school as a safe place where concerns are taken seriously and help is available, they are more likely to seek support before behaviors escalate.
Improve early identification and referral
Training teachers, counselors, and nurses to recognize warning signs of self- harm, suicidality, and other risky behaviors enables earlier, more appropriate intervention. Some programs add brief individual check‑ins or screening after classroom lessons, which can reduce distress and self-injury especially among students who already have a history of these behaviors.
Combine education with clear pathways to help
Effective programs do more than just give information; they explicitly show students how and where to get help at school and in the community. Integrating classroom lessons with on-site counseling, crisis procedures, and community mental health partners ensures that when a teen is ready to reach out, support is easy to access and coordinated.
