Identifying Harmful, Threatening, or Violent Behaviors » Student Identification of Harmful, Threatening, or Violent Behaviors

Student Identification of Harmful, Threatening, or Violent Behaviors

Avalon ISD:

Student Recognition Training: Identifying Harmful, Threatening, or Violent Behaviors

Purpose:
 This handout provides guidance for recognizing early warning signs in student behavior that may indicate a risk of harm to self or others. Prompt recognition and reporting are key to prevention and intervention.

1. Understanding the Behavior Categories

A. Harmful Behavior

  • Self-injury (cutting, burning, hitting self)

  • Expressions of hopelessness or worthlessness

  • Talking or writing about suicide

  • Significant decline in hygiene or self-care

  • Sudden withdrawal from friends, family, or school activities

Possible Warning Signs:

  • Frequent unexplained injuries

  • Giving away personal belongings

  • Statements like “You’d be better off without me”

B. Threatening Behavior

  • Verbal or written threats toward others

  • Direct or indirect statements of intent to harm

  • Fascination with weapons or violent acts

  • Aggressive posturing, intimidation, or bullying

  • Use of threatening language in person or online

Possible Warning Signs:

  • “You’ll be sorry” or “I’m going to make them pay”

  • Posting violent or threatening content on social media

  • Carrying objects that could be used as weapons

C. Violent Behavior

  • Physical attacks or assaults

  • Property destruction with malicious intent

  • Bringing weapons to school

  • Acts of arson or targeted vandalism

  • Engaging in fights with escalating severity

Possible Warning Signs:

  • Sudden escalation from verbal conflict to physical aggression

  • Planning or rehearsing an attack

  • Cruelty to animals

2. Behavioral & Emotional Indicators

Look for patterns, not isolated incidents. Concerning behaviors may include:

  • Extreme mood swings

  • Sudden changes in academic performance

  • Obsession with violent media or ideologies

  • Social isolation or peer rejection

  • Difficulty managing anger

3. Steps to Take When You Recognize Warning Signs

  1. Stay Calm & Observant

    • Document what you see and hear factually.

  2. Do Not Confront Alone

    • Ensure safety first. In emergencies, follow school crisis protocols.

  3. Report Immediately

    • Use the school’s designated reporting system (e.g., Safe2Tell, StopIt, internal forms).

  4. Engage Support Staff

    • Notify counselors, administrators, or school resource officers.

  5. Follow Up

    • Continue to monitor and document changes in behavior.

4. How to Document Concerns

  • Date, time, and location of the incident or observed behavior

  • Exact words spoken or written by the student

  • Physical behaviors or gestures

  • Any witnesses

  • Actions taken after the incident

5. Maintaining Student Dignity

  • Avoid labeling a student as “dangerous” in conversation

  • Maintain confidentiality as required by law (FERPA, HIPAA)

  • Focus on behavior, not personal judgment

6. Emergency Response Quick Reference

If there is an immediate threat:

  • Call 911 or activate school emergency response

  • Secure area if possible

  • Do not attempt to physically intervene unless trained and necessary

If the threat is potential but not immediate:

  • Follow school threat assessment protocols

  • Involve the crisis response team

  • Monitor and re-evaluate risk

Remember:

Early recognition saves lives. Your role is to observe, document, and report—not to investigate or diagnose.