School Violence


Question:

With school starting soon, I am concerned about the rising incidents of school violence. Are there warning signs for youth violence? And if so, what can be done if a young person displays them?

Answer:

I remember the anticipation I experienced as the beginning of a new school year drew near. I recall the questions with which I was concerned: Who will my teachers be? What schedule will I have? Will I have classes with my best friends? I remember eagerly awaiting the beginning of football season and all of the fun that brought. I was excited about the start of a new school year.

Even though that was not too long ago, it seems like my experience was eons away. Gone are the days when questions like mine were asked. We are ushering in a new millennium with the memories of Padukah, Jonesboro, and Littleton so thick we have to brush them away from our faces. Now, instead of wondering about class schedules and football games, our children wonder, "Will my school be next?"

Concerned parents, teachers, school administrators, and even youth now wonder if any warning signs exist that would indicate someone is going down the path of notoriety obtained by firing bullets into classmates. The old adage "Hindsight is 20/20" is not good enough. What is wanted is FORESIGHT.

Even though violence cannot be predicated, the American Psychological Association and Music Television (MTV) teamed together and produced a video for youth that provides an answer to this question. "Warning Signs for Youth Violence" does not provide a foolproof way to identify youth who will commit an act of violence: rather, it provides a way to identify youth who may be at risk and encourages that youth and parent to obtain help for the emotional turmoil they are experiencing.

Two main types of violence appear to be of greatest importance: Youth homicide and youth suicide. Warning signs for youth violence directed toward others are
  1. being a victim of violence;
  2. having been a victim of bullying;
  3. feeling constantly disrespected;
  4. feeling rejected or alone;
  5. withdrawal from friends and usual activities;
  6. announcing threats or plans for hurting others; and
  7. having a detailed plan for committing violence.
Warning signs for youth violence toward self include
  1. saying goodbye to friends and family;
  2. talking about not being around in the future;
  3. giving away important possessions;
  4. sudden increase in moodiness;
  5. withdrawal or isolation; and
  6. feeling of hopelessness. If someone you know appears to be suicidal, you can ask him or her if they are serious about killing themselves; if their mood is so bleak, and if they have a plan in place.
Once warning signs are observed, the question then becomes what to do next. If you are a youth, tell an adult whom you trust. It doesn't have to be someone connected to your friend, but it must be an adult you trust. Tell your parents, a teacher, guidance counselor, your pastor, or your youth minister at church. Tell someone. If you are an adult, take the warning signs seriously. Many youth say they told an adult but were not believed. Believe them.

If you are concerned about yourself or your child, contact a mental health professional or your primary care physician right away.

Answered by: Dr. Julie Howard, Ph.D.


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