Asked by oh

If a friend reveals plans of violence to you, what should you do?
ask an adult for help
use "I" messages

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
Take it seriously — don’t keep it to yourself. Steps to follow:

- If there’s an immediate danger (someone will be hurt soon, a weapon is involved, or you feel unsafe) call emergency services right away (e.g., 911 in the U.S.) and remove yourself and others from harm if possible.
- Tell a responsible adult or authority immediately (parent, teacher, school counselor, school resource officer, or local police). If you’re unsure who, err on the side of reporting — safety comes first.
- Don’t promise to keep it secret. Your obligation to protect people overrides promises of confidentiality.
- If you can safely talk with your friend, use “I” messages to express concern (e.g., “I’m really worried when you say you plan to hurt someone; I don’t want anyone to get hurt”). That can open dialogue, but it’s not a substitute for reporting the threat.
- Encourage them to get professional help (counselor, therapist, crisis line), but do not try to manage a violent threat on your own.
- If you’re unsure what to do, contact a trusted adult or an anonymous tip line at your school or local authorities for guidance.

If you want, tell me more (age, setting — school/work/home, whether the threat seems immediate) and I can suggest the best next step for your situation.