Beware signs violent behavior

Beware the Signs a Child may Erupt in Violent Behavior

The number of school shootings in recent years has heightened fears about the increasing amount of violence in the lives of America's youths.
The facts about youth violence scream at us about the importance of this problem:

The 1996 juvenile arrest rate for murder was more than 50 percent greater than in the early 1980s.
Ninety-two percent of students say violence in schools nationwide is a serious problem and 79 percent say it is on the rise.*
Ten percent of students indicate they've seen guns in schools.
More than 6,000 students were expelled for bringing guns to school in 1997.
The juvenile arrest rate for aggravated assault increased more than 120 percent between 1983 and 1994.
Among students nationwide, 36.6 percent had been in a physical fight one or more times in the previous twelve months before the survey.
Almost 20 percent of students nationwide had carried a weapon during previous thirty days before s a survey by the Centers for Disease Control.

Given these alarming statistics, it's important for parents to be aware of the violence warning signs in young people. If you notice the following signs over a period of time in your child, the potential for violence exists:
* A history of violent or aggressive acts.
* Serious drug or alcohol use.
*Gang membership or desire to be in a gang.
* Access to or fascination with weapons, especially guns.
* Threatening others regularly.
* Trouble controlling feelings, such as anger.
* Withdrawal from friends and usual activities.
* Feeling rejected or alone.
* Having been a victim of bullying.
* Poor school performance.
* History of discipline problems or frequent run-ins with authority.
* Feeling constantly disrespected.
* Failing to acknowledge the feelings or rights of others.
Others warning signs signal that violence is a serious possibility:
* Loss of temper on a daily basis.
* Frequent physical fighting.
* Significant vandalism or property damage.
* Increased use of drugs or alcohol.
* Increased risk-taking behavior.
* Detailed plans to commit acts of violence.
* Enjoying hurting animals.
* Carrying a weapon.
But what can you do if you recognize these signs in your child?
Violence is a learned behavior and like any learned behavior, it can be changed. However, in addition to recognizing these warning signs of violence, it's important to get help before a violent act occurs.
Don't put off getting help when you see the last nine warning signs. Contact a mental-health professional who has experience working with young people who have problems with anger and violence.
You can find a mental-health professional by asking your pediatrician or your child's school counselor for a recommendation. You can find a child psychologist by call the Michigan Psychological Association or by looking in the Yellow Pages under "marriage and family counselor." Contact the Youth Assistance office in your area.