The ABCs of Bullying
Addressing, Blocking, and Curbing School Aggression
Module 3: Factors Contributing to Bullying and Violence - Page 5 of 17
Warning Signs for Violence
The Commission for the Prevention of Youth Violence has identified warning signs of youth violence and recommends consultation with a mental health professional for youth who demonstrate any of the following:ref
- Frequent loss of temper
- Frequent physical fighting
- Significant vandalism or property damage
- Making serious threats
- Extreme impulsiveness
- Alcohol and other drug abuse
- Easily frustrated
- Hurting animals
- Preoccupation with violent or morbid themes or fantasies in schoolwork, artwork, or choice of entertainment
- Carrying a weapon
- Name calling, abusive language
- Bullying or being bullied
- Truancy
- Excessive feelings of rejection, isolation, or persecution
- Gang affiliation
- Depression, despair
- Low self-esteem
- Threatening or attempting suicide
- Extreme mood swings
- Deteriorating school performance
- Being witness to or the subject of domestic abuse
- Setting fires
- Preoccupation with weapons and explosive devices
- History of discipline problems
- Social withdrawal
- Blaming others for difficulties and problems
The Surgeon General's Report on Youth Violence lists a number of risk factors that may be present in the individual that can help predict the onset, continuity, or escalation of violence either at a young age (ages 6 to 11) or later (ages 12 to 14):ref
- General offenses
- Physical violence
- Substance use
- Being male
- Aggression (among males)
- Hyperactivity, restlessness
- Difficulty concentrating (among males)
- Risk taking
- Crimes against persons
- Antisocial behavior
- Exposure to television
- Medical or physical condition
- Low IQ
- Dishonesty (among males)
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Last Updated: 5/19/04
SAMHSA is an Agency of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
