Student Violence - Warning Signs

Student Violence - Warning Signs

Students At Risk for Violent Behavior

History of being violent toward his/her peers
Access to firearms
Involved in drinking alcohol or taking other drugs
Caregivers have a history of drug/alcohol involvement
Peer group reinforces antisocial behaviors
Learned attitudes accepting aggressive behaviors as "normal" and an effective way to solve problems
High level of violence in the home, in the neighborhood and in the media
School history that includes aggressive and disruptive classroom behavior
Poor school achievement, poor school attendance and numerous school suspensions
Difficulty with social skills and poor peer relations
Difficulty controlling his/her impulses and emotions
History of parental rejection, inconsistent discipline, and lack of supervision

Warning Signs - Potentially Violent Individuals

There is no exact method to predict when a person will become violent. One or more of these warning signs may be displayed before a person becomes violent but does not necessarily indicate that an individual will become violent. A display of these signs should trigger concern as they're usually exhibited by people experiencing problems:

Irrational beliefs and ideas

Verbal, nonverbal or written threats or intimidation

Fascination with weaponry and/or acts of violence

Expressions of a plan to hurt himself or others

Externalization of blame

Unreciprocated romantic obsession

Taking up much of teacher's time with behavior or performance problems

Fear reaction among fellow students or family

Drastic change in belief systems

Displays of unwarranted anger

New or increased source of stress at home or school

Inability to take criticism

Feelings of being victimized

Intoxication from alcohol or other substances

Expressions of hopelessness or heightened anxiety

Productivity and/or attendance problems

Violence towards inanimate objects

Steals or sabotages projects or equipment

Lack of concern for the safety of others

Adapted from Reducing School Violence: Building a Framework for School Safety, produced by Southeastern Regional Vision for Education (associated with the University of North Carolina-Greensboro) and the Florida Department of Education, with assistance from the Southeast Regional Center for Drug-Free Schools and Communities.

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