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Student Identification of Harmful, Threatening, or Violent Behaviors

Graham 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.