Warning Signs and Pre-attack Indicators (Grades 9-12)

Noticing when something is about to happen is really helpful in a lot of areas, like playing sports, checking the weather, or driving a car. Whether they’re good or bad, being aware of certain warning signs is a valuable life skill. Even though a threat can happen quickly, there are actually some key warning signs involved. This means it’s important to notice behaviors and statements that could indicate that someone might be at risk of carrying out an act of violence in the future – if appropriate intervention by professionals doesn’t happen. This module provides high school students with an overview of key warning signs and potential pre-attack indicators. Key topics include: anomalies, the “pathway to violence,” common behaviors, and early and imminent warning signs.