In 1998 the US Department of Education developed “Early Warning Timely Response: A Guide to Safe Schools.” The guide was sent to every school as a means to help prevent violence. Here are those warning signs I reported today while appearing on the Good Life Show with Jesse Dylan that children may be at risk of violence to themselves or others:

• Social withdrawal or excessive feelings of isolation.
• Being a victim of violence
• Excessive feelings of rejection; feelings of being picked on and persecuted (the bullied child becomes the bully)
• Uncontrolled or chronic anger; past history of violent and aggressive behavior
• Drug use and alcohol use; affiliation with gangds
• Inappropriate access to, possession of and use of firearms
• Intolerance for differences, prejudicial attitudes
• Serious threats of violence, fascination for violence, expressiion of violence in writings or drawings
• Low school interest and poor academic performance; history of discipline problems.

Take a look at these signs carefully. I contend that if you were to walk onto a school campus — even the biggest one there is — you could spot some of these kids. They are alienated, look sad, or stand out. We don’t need 160,000 at risk tools: just use your instinct.

While studies show we can’t predict who the next school shooter might be, we can identify kids who are hurting. Let’s take a Reality Check and make sure we’re doing all we can to offer those children emotional safety and the greatest cure there is: H.O.P.E.

Michele Borba
www.micheleborba.com