lifestyle · RTHK

Survey finds 30% of SEN students self-harm; parents' approach crucial

RTHK · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago4 MIN

Summary

The Heep Hong Society (協康會) and Hong Kong Baptist University's Department of Social Work surveyed 100 families with SEN children aged 6 to 18. Findings reveal that 29 of these students (29%) had exhibited self-harm behaviors, with the most common forms being hitting or slapping oneself (58.7%), followed by biting or severe scratching (34.5%), and skin cutting (31%). Researchers discovered that parents' emotional regulation and coping mechanisms significantly influence children's self-harm risks.

Key Points

29 out of 100 surveyed SEN students reported self-harm behaviors, representing nearly 30% of the sample
Self-harm methods included hitting or slapping oneself (58.7%), biting or severe scratching (34.5%), and skin cutting (31%)
Parents using "behavioral disengagement" or "rumination" when children experience emotional fluctuations were linked to higher self-harm risks
Higher parental well-being and proactive help-seeking together with children were associated with lower self-harm risks
HKBU received government funding to develop the "Heart and Mind Companion" mobile app targeting SEN parents, with trial recruitment beginning in November

Why It Matters

With about 30% of SEN students showing self-harm tendencies, this research underscores the critical importance of supporting not just the children but also their caregivers. The upcoming "Heart and Mind Companion" app represents a proactive approach to providing mental health resources to parents, potentially reducing self-harm incidents among vulnerable students in Hong Kong .