Recognizing It, Then Doing
Something About It

We're not trying to freak you out ... high school's going to be a weird, crazy place. No one knows how to act, and everyone is worried about what other people think. It's a time for discovering who you are, or just experimenting with different styles and attitudes. But just because other students are going through the same thing, doesn't mean you should ignore warning signs that they might be doing something dangerous.

Let's not get paranoid ... everyone has bad days, everyone feels like no one likes them ... everyone even wants to lash out at others at some point or another. It's when you think there might be reason to believe that another student is seriously considering doing this that you have to tell someone.

If you hear about or have reason to believe any of the following is true, report it:

-- A student or stranger paying too much attention to the school buildings, entrances and exits, etc.

-- Any sort of talk of a plan to hurt anyone, especially if it includes names or pictures.

-- Any student who brings weapons of any kind to school.

-- Threats against other students or faculty members.

Even if the talk is just that, it's better to let someone in authority figure that out, rather than not say anything and risk someone getting hurt. Who should you tell, though?

-- Your parents. They can bring it to the attention of the school officials or the police, depending on the situation.

-- A teacher or professor. Pick someone you're comfortable with, and tell them everything. They'll be in a better position to decide what to do with that information.

-- Your principal or dean. He or she can assess the seriousness of what you tell them, and take appropriate action.

-- Your guidance counselor or advisor. They're usually pretty easy to talk to, and you might feel more comfortable revealing what seem like secrets to one.