Violent incidents in schools have led parents, teachers, school administrators, and other adults to ask how to recognize warning signs in children who may harm themselves and others. While there is no foolproof system for identifying potentially dangerous behavior, the National School Safety Center (NSSC) provides a checklist derived from tracking school-associated violent deaths in the United States from July 1992 to the present.

The NSSC checklist serves as a reminder that safe school plans and crisis prevention and intervention procedures must be in place to protect the health and safety of all school students and staff members so that schools remain safe havens for learning.

Signs of potential violence in young people:

1. Has a history of tantrums and uncontrollable angry outbursts.
2. Characteristically resorts to name calling, cursing or abusive language.
3. Habitually makes violent threats when angry.
4. Has previously brought a weapon to school
5. Has a background of serious disciplinary problems at school and in the community.
6. Has a background of drug, alcohol or other substance abuse or dependency.
7. Is on the fringe of his/her peer group with few or no close friends.
8. Is preoccupied with weapons, explosives or other incendiary devices.
9. Has previously been truant, suspended or expelled from school.
10. Displays cruelty to animals.
11. Has little or no supervision and support from parents or a caring adult.
12. Has witnessed or been a victim of abuse or neglect in the home.
13. Has been bullied and/or bullies or intimidates peers or younger children.
14. Tends to blame others for difficulties and problems s/he causes her/himself.
15. Consistently prefers TV shows, movies or music expressing violent themes and acts.
16. Prefers reading materials dealing with violent themes, rituals and abuse.
17. Reflects anger, frustration and the dark side of life in school essays or writing projects.
18. Is involved with a gang or an antisocial group on the fringe of peer acceptance.
19. Is often depressed and/or has significant mood swings.
20. Has threatened or attempted suicide.

Reprinted with permission from the National School Safety Center.