Question

Lately a student has been acting very erratic and has been extremely angry for the past week. They shared with you that they wanted to hurt someone. Their plans were extremely detailed, with a location and how they were going to do it. What level of threat would this be?

Answer 1

The situation you've described presents a serious and immediate threat. When a student expresses an intention to harm others, especially with detailed plans that include specific locations and methods, it is classified as a high level of threat. This requires urgent action.

You should take the following steps:

1. **Immediate Reporting**: Notify the appropriate authorities immediately, such as school administration, mental health professionals, or law enforcement. They have protocols in place to handle such situations.

2. **Document the Details**: If possible, keep a record of what the student shared with you, including any specifics about their plans, so that the authorities can assess the situation appropriately.

3. **Ensure Safety**: If you believe there’s an immediate risk of harm, make sure that the student doesn’t have access to means of carrying out their plan, and keep others safe.

4. **Support for the Student**: It may be appropriate for mental health professionals to assess the student's mental state, even while you prioritize immediate safety.

Your primary concern should be the safety of all individuals involved, including the student in question. It's crucial to act quickly and responsibly.