My Teen is Cutting on Their Body

Self injurious behavior is a growing concern in America today. Why would teens cut on themselves, and how should a parent respond?

A teen’s goal in cutting is an attempt to cope, not to take their life. In many ways, the dynamics of cutting are similar to other addictions or coping mechanisms. Drinking, drug use, sexually acting out are all seen by the participant as an answer to pain and other problems they might be struggling with. And although destructive, it does provide some escape or benefit to those who choose that road.

So, with cutting, there is a positive payoff that allows them to keep going.

For parents, drug use, alcohol use, or their teen being sexually active causes concern, and it should. But cutting seems to create confusion and fear at an even higher level. As a result, a parent may react in a way that hurts, rather than helps.

Freaking out may cause them to hide it from you. So, be supportive without reinforcing the behavior. They need to see that your love for them is unconditional, not based on their choice to cut.

Do not give ultimatums, but lovingly pursue ways to learn what’s behind this behavior.

Educate yourself and find a place where your teen can safely communicate and express their pain (such as TreeHouse, counselor, trusted adult) and gain the needed tools to cope with life in a more healthy way.