Helping school counselors cope with violence: "[their role] in responding to a crisis varies from school to school. What is important, however, is that the safety of all students is ensured and that a plan is in place which reflects the unique characteristics of that school." - Education

USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), Jan, 2002 by Charlene M. Alexander

Early warning signs

That being said, the literature has identified a number of early warning signs that counselors are trained to look for in their student population. These include:

Social withdrawal. This might be the child who was once an active participant in class activities who gradually and completely withdraws from social contacts with other classmates. This withdrawal frequently stems from feelings of depression, rejection, and/or persecution of some sort.

Acute feelings of isolation. While it is important to note that many students feel this way at some point and not all act out violently, those who do not have a peer group may act aggressively and violently.

Experience of victimization. This would include students who have been physically or sexually abused. They are at risk of acting out in a violent manner either towards themselves or to others.

Experience of being bullied. This would include the student who feels that he or she is a constant victim of bullying, teasing, or humiliation at school or home. If the child continues to experience such victimization, he or she may act out in a violent way.

Experience of poor academic performance. This would include the student whose academic performance results in his or her inability to function fully, so that school becomes a negative experience. If this continues for an extensive period, the student can act out in an aggressive fashion.

Evidence of themes of violence in artwork. Children and adults use art to express their feelings or thoughts. Here again, some caution and an understanding of context is important for the counselor to apply, so that overinterpretations of a student's artwork are not made. However, an overrepresentation of themes of violence and aggression in artwork should be cause for concern on the part of counselors.

Evidence of uncontrolled anger. This may be the student who seems to have great difficulty controlling his or her anger. These outbursts occur frequently and are typically intense.

Evidence of bullying behavior. This student may be reported frequently for instances of hitting, punching, or name-calling. If this behavior progresses over a period of time, the student may act out in more aggressive and violent ways.

Evidence of racial or cultural intolerance. This student expresses intense prejudicial attitudes and beliefs towards members of an identified group or groups. Coupled with other factors, the student may exhibit violent behaviors towards members of the identified group.

Evidence of drug or alcohol use. Students who abuse drugs or alcohol on a frequent basis may exhibit bouts of out-of-control behavior and/or delusional thinking, and can subject themselves and others to violent behavior.

Evidence of membership in a gang. This may be the student who affiliates with a peer group that supports antisocial behavior and values. Students who adopt antisocial values are likely to act in violent or aggressive ways.

Evidence of access to or possession of and use of firearms. The literature shows that not only are these students likely to use firearms in acts of violence, they are likely to be victims of firearms themselves. For children who exhibit any of the above warning signs to have inappropriate access to firearms is a cause for great concern for counselors.