This sends the message that you might as well commit a serious crime because you'll get the same punishment. Vocalize these concerns to school administrators or even to your legislators. On a smaller scale, provide students in your classroom with consequences that are comenserate with the misbehavior displayed. Allow your students to see you performing critical thinking in action. If your school does not already have a violence prevention program, talk with administrators about putting one in place.
Education is the key in helping students to identify other potentially dangerous students.
Several recent school tragedies have been averted by other students telling school officials that someone has a weapon. Get to know your students and establish a trust with them. You might just be the one they turn to if they or their friend is thinking of violence. The role of inhibition in the assessment and understanding of violence.