Identifying Warning Signs of Potential Violence

Learn to identify characteristics of persons who exhibit warning signs of potential violence. Schools tend to single out students who are bullied or who exhibit mental health problems as potential violent perpetrators. The key is focusing on the behaviors the individual is engaging in, not personal characteristics. Those who display these signs should be referred to appropriate agencies or individuals such as counselors, parents, law enforcement, and social, medical, and mental health services. When deciding whether and where to make referrals, one should consider applicable regulations concerning parental consent, confidentiality, and mandatory reporting requirements.

These signs simply mean that a child appears to be troubled, and violence might be one of the possible outcomes of this distress. Identifying signs neither stigmatizes children or assumes that they will be violent just because they are at risk for such behavior. Other warning signs may also exist. Consequently, this list should not be considered all-inclusive, and certain items and combinations may be far more indicative of a potential problem than others. The signs include the following:

•         Has engaged in violent behavior in the past

•         Has tantrums and uncontrollable angry outbursts abnormal for someone that age

•         Continues exhibiting antisocial behaviors that began at an early age

•         Forms or maintains friendships with others who have repeatedly engaged in problem behaviors

•         Often engages in name calling, cursing, or abusive language

•         Has brought a weapon or has threatened to bring a weapon to school

•         Consistently makes violent threats when angry

•         Has a substance abuse problem

•         Is frequently truant or has been suspended from school on multiple occasions

•         Seems preoccupied with weapons or violence, especially weapons associated more with killing humans than with target practice or hunting

•         Has few or no close friends despite having lived in the area for some time

•         Has a sudden decrease in academic performance or interest in school activities

•         Is abusive to animals

•         Has too little parental supervision, given the student’s age and level of maturity

•         Has been a victim of abuse or been neglected by parents and/or guardians

•         Has repeatedly witnessed domestic abuse or other forms of violence

•         Has experienced trauma or loss in the home or the community

•         Pays no attention to the feelings or rights of others

•         Intimidates others

•         Has been a victim of intimidation by others

•         Dwells on perceived slights, rejection, or mistreatment by others; blames others for problems and appears vengeful

•         Seems to be preoccupied with TV shows, movies, video games, reading material, or music that express violence

•         Reflects excessive anger in writing projects

•         Is involved in a gang or antisocial group

•         Seems depressed or withdrawn or has exhibited severe mood or behavioral swings, which appear greater in magnitude, duration, or frequency than those typically experienced by students that age

•         Expresses sadistic, violent, prejudicial, or intolerant attitudes

•         Has threatened or attempted suicide or acts of self-mutilation

•         Written or verbal evidence that indicates a fixation on a perceived injustice, a revenge fantasy, an obsession with revenge, a desire to be notorious, a preoccupation with previous school shooters or shootings, suicidal or homicidal ideation, feelings of insignificance, dehumanization, and insensitivity to violence

When characteristics in the last category are identified along with any of the behaviors in the other categories, the threat and violence team needs to be notified immediately.

When an individual exhibits any of the warning signs the district should consider referring the student to an individual violence risk assessment specialist. Simply referring the individual to a mental health professional is seldom sufficient; few mental health professionals are trained in violence risk assessments.

International Association of Chiefs of Police

Guide for Preventing and Responding to School Violence

Pg. 11 and 12