Research suggests that age of onset may be a key factor in interpreting early warning signs. All children have likes and dislikes. Membership in hate groups or the willingness to victimize individuals with disabilities or health problems also should be treated as early warning signs. Apart from being unhealthy behaviors, drug use and alcohol use reduces self-control and exposes children and youth to violence, either as perpetrators, as victims, or both. Children and youth who inappropriately possess or have access to firearms can have an increased risk for violence.
Research shows that such youngsters also have a higher probability of becoming victims.
Families can reduce inappropriate access and use by restricting, monitoring, and supervising children's access to firearms and other weapons. Children who have a history of aggression, impulsiveness, or other emotional problems should not have access to firearms and other weapons. Alternatively, one of the most reliable indicators that a youth is likely to commit a dangerous act toward self or others is a detailed and specific threat to use violence. Recent incidents across the country clearly indicate that threats to commit violence against oneself or others should be taken very seriously. Steps must be taken to understand the nature of these threats and to prevent them from being carried out.