Research studies have shown that violent behavior can be decreased or even prevented if these risk factors are significantly reduced or eliminated:
Being the victim of physical abuse and/or sexual abuse
Exposure to violence in the home and/or community
Exposure to violence in media (TV, movies, etc.)
Use of drugs and/or alcohol
Irresponsible gun owners having guns in the home
Combination of stressful family socioeconomic factors (poverty, severe deprivation, marital breakup, single parenting, unemployment, loss of support from extended family)
Most importantly, efforts should be directed at dramatically decreasing the exposure of children and adolescents to violence in the home, community, and through unsupervised media.
Warning Signs
Threats of violence, either verbal or written
Past violent or aggressive behavior (including uncontrollable angry outbursts)
Access to guns or other weapons
Bringing a weapon to school
Past suicide attempts or threats
Family history of violent behavior or suicide attempts
Blaming others and/or unwilling to accept responsibility for one's own actions
Recent experience of humiliation, shame, loss, or rejection
Bullying or intimidating peers or younger children
Being a victim of abuse or neglect (physical, sexual, or emotional)
Witnessing abuse or violence in the home
Themes of death or depression repeatedly evident in conversation, written expressions, reading selections, or artwork
Preoccupation with themes and acts of violence in TV shows, movies, music, magazines, comics, books, video games, and Internet sites
Mental illness, such as depression, mania, psychosis, or bipolar disorder
Use of alcohol or illicit drugs
Disciplinary problems at school or in the community (delinquent behavior)
Past destruction of property or vandalism
Cruelty to animals
Firesetting behavior
Poor peer relationships and/or social isolation
Involvement with cults or gangs
Little or no supervision or support from parents or other caring adult
A sense of entitlement -- believing he/she should get what he/she wants at whatever expense
Many children exhibit these warning signs and never resort to violence. However, if these warning signs persist and add up it is something to keep your attention on.
