Scottsdale schools invite community to Parent/Teacher Academy
I wasn’t trying to kill myself – A Narrative of Adolescent Self-Harm

It is not uncommon for teenagers to resort to hurting themselves when coping with emotional stress. According to the National Children’s Bureau, self-harm is most common in children over the age of 11 and increases in frequency with age. Teenagers may start to harm themselves as a way of dealing with the problems and pressures of everyday life, including school, family and friends. Many teenagers hurt themselves secretly before finding the courage to tell someone.

Scottsdale Unified School District invites parents, teachers, administrators and community members to attend “I wasn’t trying to kill myself” – A Narrative of Adolescent Self-Harm from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 24, at Coronado High School, 2501 N. 74th St., Scottsdale.

The first in a series of highly sensitive topics, this narrative thread illustrates the struggle of a self-harming adolescent. This unique presentation will provide parents and teachers with an overview of adolescent self-harm. The presentation includes what self-harm is, why teenagers do it, and how adults can help and support teenagers who use this behavior.

The presentation will be given by The Waypoint Group. The Waypoint Group provides specialized mental health, consulting, and training services to assist individuals, families, businesses and organizations in navigating change.

In addition, teachers who attend the presentation can receive Career Ladder hours or staff development points, as well as recertification credits.

Topics for future forums include Help my child has ADHD, Is my child using drugs, Anger management/conflict resolution: helping with expression, Teenage dating: the romance & the risks.

For more information about this forum or other upcoming forums, please contact Marla Abramowitz, MSW, CHES, Prevention coordinator, at 480-484-5055.

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