Discovering that a teenager is cutting can be frightening and overwhelming. Parents may feel shocked, angry, confused, or even guilty. However, a teen who self-harms needs calm support—not punishment, shame, or criticism.
Cutting is a form of self-injury in which a person intentionally harms their body. It is often described clinically as nonsuicidal self-injury because many teens who cut are not trying to end their lives. Instead, they may be attempting to cope with intense emotions, emotional numbness, stress, anger, rejection, trauma, or a feeling that life is out of control.
Although cutting is not always a suicide attempt, it must still be taken seriously. Teens who repeatedly self-harm can have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Every incident deserves compassionate attention and an appropriate safety assessment. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents take immediate steps when they believe a child is self-harming.
Possible Warning Signs
Some teens disclose their self-harm, while others work hard to hide it. Possible signs may include:
- Unexplained or repeated injuries
- Wearing long sleeves or pants in warm weather
- Bloodstains on clothing, towels, or bedding
- Increased isolation or secrecy
- Significant changes in mood
- Expressions of hopelessness, worthlessness, or emotional numbness
- Difficulty managing conflict, rejection, or overwhelming emotions
These signs do not automatically mean a teen is cutting, but they create an opportunity for a caring conversation.
How Parents Can Respond
Begin with a calm and direct approach. You might say, “I noticed these injuries, and I am concerned about you. I am not here to punish you—I want to understand what you are experiencing.”
Listen without immediately lecturing, demanding promises, or focusing only on stopping the behavior. Cutting is often a symptom of deeper emotional distress. Addressing only the injury without understanding what is happening underneath may leave the teen feeling even more alone.
Ask directly whether your teen is thinking about suicide, has a plan, or feels unable to remain safe. Asking about suicide does not put the idea into a young person’s mind. It communicates that difficult feelings can be discussed openly.
Parents should also arrange an evaluation with a qualified mental health professional and consult the teen’s pediatrician when appropriate. Therapy can help teens identify triggers, communicate their emotions, tolerate distress, solve problems, and develop safer coping strategies.
Creating Safety and Hope
Work with professionals to develop a safety plan and reduce access to items that could be used for self-harm. Firearms, medications, and other potentially dangerous items should be secured. Injuries that are deep, infected, will not stop bleeding, or otherwise require medical care should be evaluated promptly.
Recovery is possible. A teen who cuts is not “being dramatic,” seeking trouble, or failing as a person. The behavior may be communicating emotional pain that the teen does not yet know how to express in words. Compassion, professional support, and consistent connection can help the teen find a safer path forward.
The New Pathway provides supportive, trauma-informed counseling for adolescents ages 13 and older. Therapy can help teens strengthen emotional regulation, develop healthier coping skills, and feel less alone in what they are experiencing. To learn more, visit thenewpathway.com.
If a teen is in immediate danger, has a suicide plan, has sustained a serious injury, or cannot remain safe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. In the United States, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
This article is for educational purposes and does not replace an individualized assessment, diagnosis, or treatment.
