| We
all abhor the violence and senseless killings
that occurred in Littleton, Colorado on April
20th. Our hearts and prayers go out
to the students, families, and staff of Columbine
High School.
The
WSLEA would like to take this opportunity
to provide some information and resources
so that others might recognize signs and
symptoms with the hope that a future incident
such as this could be avoided.
VIOLENCE
WARNING SIGNS:
- Has a
history of tantrums or angry outbursts.
- Resorts
to name-calling, cursing or abusive language.
- Habitually
makes violent threats when angry.
- Has previously
brought a weapon to school.
- Has serious
disciplinary problems at school and in
the community.
- Has a
background of drug, alcohol or other substance
abuse or dependency.
- Is on
the fringe of his/her peer group, with
few or no close friends.
- Is preoccupied
with weapons or incendiary devices.
- Has been
truant, suspended or expelled from school.
- Abuses
animals.
- Has little
or no supervision and support from parents
or a caring adult.
- Has been
bullied and/or bullies peers or younger
children.
- Consistently
prefers TV shows, movies or music expressing
violent themes and acts.
- Prefers
reading about violent themes, rituals
and abuse.
- Reflects
anger, frustration and the dark side of
life in writing.
- Is involved
with a gang or an antisocial group.
- Is often
depressed and/or has significant mood
swings.
- Has threatened
or attempted suicide.
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