Psychiatrists highlight self-harm danger

Protecting young people from trauma is key to reducing the risk of suicide or self-harm, say psychiatrists in a submission to an inquiry by the Australian Human Rights Commission.

Another crucial factor is a child's relationship with their parent, says the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists in its submission on ways to prevent self-harm among children.

The college regards parental mental illness and substance abuse, childhood sexual abuse, physical abuse and exposure to stressful life events such as divorce as major risk factors.

It is also concerned about child detention and says self-harm and suicidal behaviour is common in immigration detention.

"The college opposes detention of children and young people and believes community housing and support is required to prevent distress and self-harm," it says.

"There is a need to have better access to culturally appropriate torture and trauma recovery programs for young refugees and school-based supports for those in education."

It says barriers which prevent young people from seeking help include shame, fear of punishment, not wanting to distress parents, fear parents will overreact and concerns about confidentiality.

* Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 and Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467