Center for Problem-Oriented Policing

Appendix B: Warning Signs of Potential School Violence

NOTE: These signs have been extracted from a variety of sources46 and do not represent a scientific assessment, and should be regarded as speculative. Some warning signs of potential school violence may include a student who:

• 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 and/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 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 and/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/guardians
• Has repeatedly witnessed domestic abuse or other forms of violence
• Has experienced trauma or loss in their home or 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 his/her problems and appears vengeful
• Seems to be preoccupied with TV shows, movies, video games, reading materials, or music that express violence
• Reflects excessive anger in writing projects
• Is involved in a gang or antisocial group
• Seems depressed/withdrawn or has exhibited severe mood or behavioral swings, which appear greater in magnitude, duration, or frequency than those typically experienced by students that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 actually attempted suicide or acts of unfashionable self-mutilation