School Shootings: Are We Missing the Signs?

There’s always one thing that comes to the minds of most people when they hear about the occurrence of yet another school shooting. As the ones who have daily interaction with a troubled teen, many sadly blame the parents in the case of him/her harming others. They think how could the parents have possibly not known their child was on the verge of committing such heinous acts. When it comes down to it, parents of today’s teenagers need to be on the lookout for these telling signs of danger.

A Sudden Change of Personal Style
If your teen has recently shown interest in unusual clothing or accessories he/she had otherwise never been interested in, this might be a sign something is up. It’s especially important to take note if your troubled teen is wearing dark, baggy or layered clothing when it’s not exactly cool outside. This is because school shooters have been known to wear trench coats to conceal weapons.

An Obsession with Firearms/Weaponry

Another sign of a troubled teen about to act out is a newly found obsession with firearms and/or weaponry such as knives, bows, etc. If your teen has never been involved with a hunting lifestyle, this could be a red flag. If your teen also has a history of aggression, it’s best to report the behavior to local authorities so that a potential tragedy could be thwarted.

With school shootings on the rise, it’s up to communities to take action before another tragedy occurs. As the parent of a troubled teen, you’ll need to be proactive rather than reactive. There are innocent lives at stake, so these type of matters should always be taken seriously. It may be difficult for you to admit that your child is dangerous, but it’s better to be cautious than to wait for something bad to happen.

If you suspect that your child is in trouble, I beg you to take action. Speak to a counselor, a therapist, or contact me to discuss your concerns and how we can help your child.