A chart of characteristics to watch for from the National

School Safety Center. The National School Safety

Center has issued this list of characteristics that teachers

and parents should watch for in students, including:

# Characteristically resorts to name calling, cursing or

abusive language.

# Habitually makes violent threats when angry.

# Has previously brought a weapon to school.

# Has a background of serious disciplinary problems.

# Has a background of drug, alcohol or other substance

abuse or dependency.

# Has few or no close friends.

# Is preoccupied with weapons, explosives or other

incendiary devices.

# Displays cruelty to animals.

# Has witnessed or been a victim of neglect or abuse

in the home.

# Bullies or intimidates peers or younger children.

# Tends to blame others for difficulties and problems

they cause.

# Consistently prefers TV shows, reading materials,

movies or music expressing violent themes, rituals

and abuse.

# Reflects anger, frustration and the dark side of life in

school writing projects.

# Is involved with a gang or an antisocial group on

the fringe of peer acceptance.

# Is often depressed and has significant mood swings.

# Has threatened or attempted suicide.

# Has tantrums and uncontrollable angry outbursts.

>From Associated Press as seen on http://www.msn.com

March 6, 2001