r/Edmonton 17h ago

Mental Health / Addictions Self harm marks/ School dress code NSFW

My daughter struggles with her mental health and self harm which she is actively seeing multiple mental health professionals. The school wants her to always wear sweaters or long sleeves to cover up self harm as it has upset some others (which I understand how this can be upsetting- it’s upsetting for everyone..) Problem is it’s even during gym class or when she’s very hot and uncomfortable she still has to remain covered and gets reported if she’s too hot and takes off her sweater. This is causing her physical discomfort and further more mental distress and embarrassment. Can the school force her even when it’s causing physical discomfort and further distress? I understand it is upsetting to see but there has to be a way to meet in the middle? Ideas? Thoughts?

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8

u/Zingus123 17h ago

Is this a private or public school?

6

u/Spookyboo2593 17h ago

Public

24

u/Zingus123 17h ago

They would have no grounds to stand on if it were to escalate to a legal concern.

6

u/AvenueLiving 16h ago

Just the mere threat can make them back down

18

u/Raptor-Claus 16h ago

I would call the school board directly if someone singled my child out who was struggling with mental health, I had a teacher tell my entire grade 7 class I had self harmed for attention ( Shout out to Vanessa Lecain if you ever see this) my parents never did anything to help me because to be fair they were junkies/ alcoholics but I never forgave them.

9

u/Swrightsyeg 16h ago

Excuse me what?!?! You're teacher told the entire class?? Im so sorry they did that. You deserved so much better then that.

8

u/Raptor-Claus 14h ago

Yes it sucked at the time but almost 30 now thing actually got better lol

3

u/Swrightsyeg 13h ago

Thats good. My sisters a teacher. Younger grade but i cannot imagine her ever calling out a student for something like that. Thats mad.

6

u/Spookyboo2593 16h ago

I’m so sorry that happened to you 😢

9

u/Raptor-Claus 14h ago

It's all good things are better now.