It could be both, maybe they hurt themselves because they want to call some attention or it could also be their way to feel better with themselves
The boy eats and drinks the milk and cookies that he knows he cannot pay for.
Basically, the quote means that this lady has lived a long, tired, and hardworking life. Her soul is at rest because she is satisfied with the life that she lives.
its implying thats how pre-teens and teenagers are acting in todays society. we're basically all glued to the screens, and thats all we do.
