NSSI in Elementary School

Abstract This chapter discusses nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) found among children of elementary age, referencing the research on Belgian and Canadian elementary school staff’s experiences with children who engage in NSSI. Suicide ideation was associated with elevated levels of study anxiety, self-accusation, impulsivity, and loneliness across all age groups. In terms of NSSI methods, interfering with wound healing, head banging, and cutting were reported frequently by both Belgian and Canadian school staff. The chapter explains the most perceived reasons for engaging in NSSI were frustration, difficulty in communicating emotions, and managing stress. Most Belgian and Canadian school staff expressed that they felt ill-prepared to deal with NSSI situations, which resulted in the suggestion for NSSI professional development for elementary educators and school professionals.