CHECKLIST OF CHARACTERISTICS OF YOUTH WHO HAVE CAUSED SCHOOL-ASSOCIATED VIOLENT DEATHS

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. After studying common characteristics of youngsters who have caused such deaths, NSSC has identified the following behaviors, which could indicate a youths 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.

_______ 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.