Warning Signs of a Potentially Violent Student

Early Warning Signs

• Social withdrawal
• Excessive feelings of isolation
• Excessive feelings of rejection
• Being a victim of violence
• Highly sensitive to teasing and bullying
• Obsession with perceived injustice
• Fascination with weaponry and acts of violence
• Low school interest and poor academic performance
• Expression of violence in writing and drawings
• Difficulty controlling impulses or emotions
• Uncontrolled or disproportionate anger
• Patterns of impulsive and chronic hitting, intimidating, and bullying behaviors
• History of discipline problems
• History of violent and aggressive behavior
• Intolerance for differences and prejudicial attitude
• Drug and alcohol use
• Affiliation with gang or peer group that reinforces antisocial behaviors
• Inappropriate access to, possession of, or use of firearms
• Serious threats of violence

Principles for Using Imminent Warning Signs

• Safety is always the foremost consideration.
• Action must be taken immediately.
• Seek multiple confirmations of the signs.

Imminent Warning Signs

• Serious physical fighting with peers or family members
• Severe destruction of property
• Severe rage for seemingly minor reasons
• Detailed threats of lethal violence
• Possession and use of firearms and other weapons
• Self-injurious behaviors or suicide threats

Updated: 12/16/2019