It is not always possible to predict behaviour that will lead to violence. However, parents, educators, and students can learn to recognize certain early warning signs. A good rule of thumb is to assume that these warning signs, especially when they are presented in combination, indicate a need for further investigation.

The following early warning signs are not presented in order of seriousness nor are they equally significant. Some of these early warning signs include:

• Social withdrawal
• Excessive feelings of isolation and being alone
• Excessive feelings of rejection
• Being a victim of violence
• Feelings of being picked on and persecuted
• Low school interest and poor academic performance
• Expressions of violence in writings and drawings
• Uncontrolled anger
• Patterns of impulsive and chronic hitting, intimidating, and bullying behaviours
• History of discipline problems
• Past history of violent and aggressive behaviour
• Intolerance for differences and prejudicial attitudes
• Drug use and alcohol use
• Affiliation with gangs
• High interest in movies, videos and internet web sites which glorify violence
• Threats of violence