Student Violence: Warning Signs
The National Association of School Psychologists developed two critical lists of attributes associated with violent behavior. There is no exact method to predict when an individual may display violent behavior. However, an individual displaying any one or more of the following warning signs, should raise a concern in the family and the community.
Students at risk for violent behavior:
- History of being violent toward his / her peers
- Access to firearms
- Involved in drinking alcohol or taking drugs
- Caregivers have a history of drug / alcohol involvement
- Peer group reinforces antisocial behaviors
- Learned attitudes accepting aggressive behaviors as “normal” and as an effective way to solve problems
- High level of violence in the home and in the neighborhood
- 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 of potentially violent individuals
- 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 self or others
- Externalization of blame
- Unreciprocated romantic obsession
- Taking up much of the 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 at 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
Source: Adapted from Reducing School Violence: Building a Framework for School Safety, produced by Southeastern Regional Vision for Education and the Florida Department of Education.
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