The National School Safety Center offers the following checklist derived from tracking school-associated violent deaths in the United States from July 1992 to the present.  Follow this link to the School Associated Violent Deaths Report (pdf).  After studying common characteristics of youngsters who have caused such deaths, NSSC has identified the following behaviors, which could indicate a youth’s potential for harming him/herself or others.

Accounts of these tragic incidents repeatedly indicate that in most cases, a troubled youth has demonstrated or has talked to others about problems with bullying and feelings of isolation, anger, depression and frustration.  While there is no foolproof system for identifying potentially dangerous students who may harm themselves and/or others, this checklist provides a starting point.

These characteristics should serve to alert school administrators, teachers and support staff to address needs of troubled students through meetings with parents, provision of school counseling, guidance and mentoring services, as well as referrals to appropriate community health/social services and law enforcement personnel.  Further, such behavior should also provide an early warning signal that safe school plans and crisis prevention/ 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.

INFORMATION

Indicators of School Crime and Safety 2004 (pdf)

Parental Involvement in School Safety: What Every Parent Should Know; What Every Parent Should Say

School Crime and Violence Statistics

School Homicides Highest After Breaks

School-Related Violent Deaths and Shootings, 1992-2007 (pdf)

The School Shooter: A Threat Assessment Perspective (pdf)

School and Youth Violence Prevention Plan

Warning Signs

 Has a history of tantrums and uncontrollable angry outbursts.

 Characteristically resorts to name calling, cursing or abusive language.

 Habitually makes violent threats when angry.

 Has previously brought a weapon to school.

 Has a background of serious disciplinary problems at school and in the community.

 Has a background of drug, alcohol or other substance abuse or dependency.

 Is on the fringe of his/her peer group with few or no close friends.

 Is preoccupied with weapons, explosives or other incendiary devices.

 Has previously been truant, suspended or expelled from school.

 Displays cruelty to animals.

 Has little or no supervision and support from parents or a caring adult.

 Has witnessed or been a victim of abuse or neglect in the home.

 Has been bullied and/or bullies or intimidates peers or younger children.

 Tends to blame others for difficulties and problems s/he causes her/himself.

 Consistently prefers TV shows, movies or music expressing violent themes and acts.

 Prefers reading materials dealing with violent themes, rituals and abuse.

 Reflects anger, frustration and the dark side of life in school essays or writing projects.

 Is involved with a gang or an antisocial group on the fringe of peer acceptance.

 Is often depressed and/or has significant mood swings.

 Has threatened or attempted suicide.