Threat assessment is a crucial component of violence prevention in schools. However, sometimes the warning signs that a threat assessment is needed are not always obvious. In this article, we look at how to identify the warning signs. It is important to keep in mind that while there are common warning signs, the relationship you have with your students will also affect what counts as concerning behavior.
Possible Warning Signs
How do we know if a student is just having a bad day or if their behavior is a sign of a potential threat? This is a complicated question, but we can pay attention to the following warning signs:
Signs of being picked on, teased, bullied, or humiliated at home or at school
Social withdrawal
Indications of being a victim of violence
Low school interest and poor academic performance
Exhibiting signs of rejection
Exhibiting signs of isolation or consciously being alone
Aggressive and violent behavior
Intolerance for differences and prejudicial attitudes
Drug and alcohol use
Significant losses or personal failures
History of suicidal gestures, thoughts, attempts
Mentions or discusses access to weapons
Leakage: posters, academic assignments, movies, books, internet searches—websites, blogs
Making threats in a “joking” manner
General Indications of Violence Potential
We all know that it is rarely just one factor that plays into a child's violent behavior. It is also important to know some of the child's behavioral history, as well as their mental health history, in order to determine what makes a child more likely to engage in violence. Some of these indicators may be:
Possible Triggering Events to Initiate the Threat Assessment Process
A lot of warning signs tend to develop over time, but there are times when significant events may escalate the need for threat assessment. The following events are red flags that the threat of violence may be imminent:
SOURCE:
Colorado School Safety Resource Center - www.Colorado.gov/CSSRC