Identifying Students "At-Risk" for Violent Behavior: A Checklist of "Early Warning Signs"

In the wake of the tragedy at Red Lake High School in Minnesota, our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the countless survivors touched by this senseless act. In view of numerous requests for information to help in the identification of students who may be "at-risk" for violent behavior, the following information is offered.

The greater the number of items that are checked, the greater the potential for violent acting-out behavior. For help, turn to individuals who regularly work with at-risk children and adolescents - professionals in the fields of education, law enforcement, social services, medicine, mental heath, etc.

Children and adolescents "at-risk" may:

• express self-destructive or homicidal ideation
• express feelings of hopelessness
• talk about not being around
• have a history of self-destructive behavior
• give away possessions
• articulate specific plans to harm self and/or others
• appear withdrawn
• engage in "bullying" other children
• evidence significant changes in mood
• have difficulty with impulse control
• write stories or draw pictures suggestive of violence
• experience sleep and eating disturbances
• evidence significant changes in behavior
• have experienced prior trauma/tragedy
• engage in substance abuse
• have been/are victims of child abuse
• become involved with gangs
• have experienced a significant loss
• have been tormented, bullied and/or teased by others
• evidence a preoccupation with fighting
• evidence a preoccupation with violent television programs/movies with violent themes
• evidence a preoccupation with video games
• have a history of antisocial behavior
• evidence a low tolerance for frustration
• evidence a preoccupation with violent games
• externalize blame for their difficulties
• evidence a preoccupation with guns and other weapons
• have harmed small animals
• have access to a firearm
• have engaged in fire setting
• have brought a weapon to school
• evidence persistent bed-wetting
• evidence frequent disciplinary problems
• appear/acknowledge feeling depressed
• exhibit poor academic performance
• have been frequently truant from school

by Mark D. Lerner, Ph.D.

President, AAETS