Warning Signs
Behaviors of Someone Who May Become Violent Towards Themselves or Others
Preoccupied with weapons, explosives or incendiary devices.
Has little or no supervision or support from parents or caring adult.
Has witnessed or been the victim of abuse or neglect in the home.
Has been bullied and/or bullies or intimidates peers or younger children. Displays cruelty to animals.
Tends to blame others for difficulties and problems she/he causes.
Consistently prefers TV shows, movies, music and reading materials that express violent themes.
Reflects anger, frustration and the dark side of life in school essays or writing projects.
Has threatened or attempted suicide.
Based on material from the National School Safety Center.
MYTH: PEOPLE WHO ARE MENTALLY ILL ARE VIOLENT.
FACT: ONLY 3-5% OF VIOLENT ACTS ARE ATTRIBUTED TO PEOPLE WITH A SEVERE MENTAL ILLNESS.
(Sources: MentalHealth.gov, National Alliance On Mental Illness)
A history of uncontrollable angry outbursts.
Unable to control themselves verbally, resorts to abusive language and habitually makes violent threats.
Background of serious disciplinary problems at school and in the community.
On the fringe of his/her peer group, with few or no close friends, may be involved in a gang or anti-social group.
Frequent truancy, suspensions or expulsions from school.
Background of substance abuse or dependency.
Preoccupied with weapons, explosives or incendiary devices.
Has little or no supervision or support from parents or caring adult.