Cutting: Teens and Preteens

Cutting is a scary trend that has, unfortunately, been on the upswing.  It has been an issue in the schools that I have worked in and according to my colleagues it is an issue in other schools as well.  We often think of a person who cuts as a teenage girl who seems sad and perhaps depressed.  This girl is often portrayed as Caucasian, middle-class, and attending a suburban school.  We think that she is probably suicidal.  While this stereotype certainly exists, there are many other faces of cutting.  It is not just girls-many boys also cut.  It is not just teenagers-the scary truth is that many middle school and even some elementary school-aged children cut.  It is not just Caucasian, middle-class, suburban girls-more and more children and teens of color and in urban areas are also engaging in this behavior.  The news that is often surprising is that it does NOT necessarily mean that the child is suicidal.  That is certainly a possibility, but not the case all of the time.  Regardless of the intention, it MUST be taken seriously.  The emotions underlying the behavior are usually quite treatable.  Please read this article and browse through this site if you have concerns that your child or a child you know might be cutting.  http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/mental_health/cutting.html?tracking=T_RelatedArticle  
The most important thing if you do suspect cutting is to SEEK HELP!!!  It can be from a mental health professional, a hospital, or a pediatrician, but don't ignore the behavior or assume it will remit on its own.