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Warning Signs of Youth Violence

© Tara Kuther

Within the past few years, several incidents of extreme violence by youth have led to the recognition that school violence is a problem for our nation. Consider the incident at Colombine High School, an unusually brutal incident, but indicative of the crisis among our youth. In April, 1999, two boys opened fire in their suburban Colorado highschool, pursuing students and teachers with a hail of gunfire from shotguns and assault rifles. Twelve students and a teacher were killed, and approximately twenty others were injured before the 17 and 18-year-old highschool seniors turned the weapons on themselves, committing suicide. This and similar incidents have drawn national attention to the need to foresee and prevent violence by youth.

Retrospective analysis reveals a number of warning signs of violence that were dismissed in each incident of serious violence. How can parents and teachers help to prevent future violence? Attend to the following warning signs:

1. Difficulty controlling anger
   Children and adolescents at risk for engaging in violence tend to have a history of tantrums and uncontrollable angry outbursts. When frustrated, they often resort to name calling, cursing or abusive language.
2. Peer rejection and difficulty in peer relations
   At-risk youth are often rejected or on the fringe of the peer group with few or no close friends. Many youth who commit violence have a history of being bullied or engaging in bullying.
3. Discipline problems, delinquent activity, and carrying a weapon
   Young people at risk for violence are often involved in antisocial activity such as frequent fighting and property damage. Needless to say, carrying a weapon is one of the best predictors of violence.
4. Unusual interest or preoccupation with weapons, explosives, and entertainment depicting violence
   A consistent preference for television shows, movies, reading materials, music, and other media that portray violent themes and acts suggests that the young person may have become desensitized to, and thus at-risk for, violence.
5. Displays cruelty to animals
   The torture of animals is often a precursor to that of people.
6. School essays, projects, and other creative work reflect anger, frustration, and desires for violence.
   Many students reveal their turmoil through creative projects. Creative work that displays disturbing themes of violence or death must be recognized as a call for help. Classmates and teachers must take these messages seriously.
7. Depression and/or has significant mood swings
   Students at risk for violence often feel that they have nothing to lose. Violence is often precipitated by withdrawal from others, perceptions of hopelessness, and suicide threats and attempts.

The copyright of the article Warning Signs of Youth Violence in Developmental Psychology is owned by Tara Kuther. Permission to republish Warning Signs of Youth Violence in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.