Increased frequency of aggressive acts or threats, intimidation or harassing behavior, threatening letters or phone messages, hurting pets, vandalism, or fire setting are all clear signs that you need to seek help immediately. The child is angry, hostile, or expresses feelings of persecution. The child has difficulty keeping relationships with peers. The child has difficulty getting along with adults. The child watches excessive amounts of violent television programs or enjoys playing violent video games.
Tips Take verbal warnings seriously.
If a child threatens to kill or do harm to another person, seek help immediately. Monitor and limit your child's entertainment viewing habits. Media representatives admit that there is often excessive violence portrayed on television with no apparent consequences. Teach children that there are severe and lifelong consequences to violent acts. Don't treat veiled threats lightly.