These tips might be organized by different ages, but truthfully all of these tips are great for teachers with students of any age. Body-focused repetitive behaviors like chronic hair pulling (Trichotillomania), skin picking (dermatillomania), and nail biting (onycophagia) are behaviors that can manifest at any stage of life, and the strategies that work to manage them are applicable to any age!
Elementary School Age (Grades K-5):
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Create a Safe and Supportive Environment: Establish a classroom environment where the student feels safe and understood. Encourage positive interactions and teach other students about kindness and empathy without singling out the child with BFRBs.
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Use Distraction and Redirection: Provide the student with fidget toys, stress balls, or other sensory tools to keep their hands busy in a constructive way. Redirect their focus when you notice signs of BFRBs, but do so gently and privately to avoid embarrassment.
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Incorporate Relaxation Techniques: Introduce simple mindfulness or breathing exercises that the whole class can participate in. These techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety, which often trigger BFRBs.
For elementary school students, they might be too young to be able to understand their body's signals and understand that their body-focused repetitive behavior is trying to self-soothe. Many kids we've talked to aren't ready to give up their body-focused repetitive behavior because it provides them so much relief. For younger kids, the focus should be on creating a supportive social environment and encouraging those kids to try new things, celebrating both successes and attempts!
Middle School Age (Grades 6-8):
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Educate and Raise Awareness: Have a general discussion about stress and coping mechanisms in a way that doesn’t single out the student. This can help normalize the conversation around BFRBs and reduce stigma.
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Offer Private Check-ins: Schedule regular, discreet check-ins with the student to offer support and discuss any challenges they’re facing. This provides a safe space for the student to express their feelings and receive guidance.
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Encourage Positive Self-Image: Promote activities that build self-esteem and self-compassion. Engage students in projects that emphasize strengths and talents, helping them feel good about themselves beyond their struggles with BFRBs.
Middle Schoolers are stepping into a more rigorous education system with more constant homework and exams. This is a great time to teach the entire class about the importance of taking breaks during homework sessions, and techniques to regulate their nervous system that they can implement throughout the day.
High School Age (Grades 9-12):
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Promote Self-Advocacy: Encourage the student to take an active role in managing their BFRBs by helping them identify triggers and develop personal coping strategies. This can involve working with a counselor or psychologist if needed.
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Provide Flexible Accommodations: Offer accommodations like allowing the student to take short breaks, use fidget tools, or have a designated safe space in the classroom. Be flexible and open to adjustments based on the student's needs.
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Support Peer Relationships: Facilitate group activities that foster positive peer relationships, reducing the social isolation that can sometimes accompany BFRBs. Help the student feel connected and valued within their peer group.
High Schoolers have to deal with balancing so many things - extracurriculars, grades, thinking about college, and a social life where they're constantly managing relationships with the 100s of classmates they see daily! Providing resources, creating a supportive environment, and teaching skills that help with independence and self-image are essential at this age.
We've got lots of other resources for both students and teachers!
