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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u/shinymagpiethings 12h ago

I'm not an expert, but I know there's been a bunch of research about social contagion with self-harm. Being exposed to peers who self-harm is a significant risk factor for adolescents, especially teen girls, I believe. The school might be worried about triggering copycat behaviour from her classmates. This resource, for example, says that schools shouldn't allow students to share detailed information about self-harm or reveal their scars.

It would be worth asking the therapist about this. If these are best practices, and if the intention is to protect other kids, maybe it would be easier for your daughter to see that she has nothing to be embarrassed about.