When Children Make Threats

The news seems full of stories like this nowadays:


KANSAS CITY, MO - A 16-year-old was on life support at a Kansas City hospital after his friend shot him while they were smoking pot. David Smith, 17, told police he didn't know the gun was loaded when he pointed it at his friend and pulled the trigger.

Police were called to a home at 4208 Park on Tuesday night after Smith called 911 and told the operator that he shot the victim. In the probable cause statement, witnesses at the scene told police that they were in the basement of the home smoking pot when the victim said the chair he was sitting in was his. Witnesses said Smith then raised the gun he had at his side and fired.

Smith told police in the probable cause statement that he had taken the clip out of the gun and put it on the floor next to him. Smith told police that when he raised the gun he didn't know the clip was in the gun. Smith told police he brought the gun to the house for protection.

A witness told police that after the group fled the basement, another witness retrieved the gun and asked Smith what to do with it. The witness said that Smith said, "I don't want any part of it anymore," and told the witness to get rid of it. The probable cause statement said the witness hid the gun in a house up the street, but later told police where it was.

Smith is charged with felony assault and felony armed criminal action.


Every year there are tragedies in which kids shoot and kill individuals after making threats. When this occurs, everyone asks themselves, "How could this happen?" …and "Why didn't we take the threat seriously?"

Most threats made by kids or teens are not carried out. Many such threats are the youngster's way of talking big or tough, or getting attention. Sometimes these threats are a reaction to a perceived hurt, rejection, or attack.

What threats should be taken seriously?

Examples of potentially dangerous or emergency situations with a youngster or teenager include:

• threats or warnings about hurting or killing oneself
• threats or warnings about hurting or killing someone
• threats to damage or destroy property
• threats to run away from home

Psychologists and other mental health professionals agree that it is very difficult to predict a youngster's future behavior with complete accuracy. A person's past behavior, however, is still one of the best predictors of future behavior. For example, a youngster with a history of violent or assaultive behavior is more likely to carry out his/her threats and be violent.

When is there more risk associated with threats from kids and teens?

The presence of one or more of the following increases the risk of violent or dangerous behavior:

• a pattern of threats
• access to guns or other weapons
• being a victim of abuse or neglect (physical, sexual, or emotional)
• blaming others and/or unwilling to accept responsibility for one's own actions
• bringing a weapon to school
• bullying or intimidating peers or younger kids
• cruelty to animals
• disciplinary problems at school or in the community (delinquent behavior)
• family history of violent behavior or suicide attempts
• fire-setting behavior
• involvement with cults or gangs
• little or no supervision or support from parents or other caring adult
• mental illness, such as depression, mania, psychosis, or bipolar disorder
• past destruction of property or vandalism
• past suicide attempts or threats
• past violent or aggressive behavior (including uncontrollable angry outbursts)
• poor peer relationships and/or social isolation
• preoccupation with themes and acts of violence in TV shows, movies, music, magazines, comics, books, video games, and Internet sites
• recent experience of humiliation, shame, loss, or rejection
• themes of death or depression repeatedly evident in conversation, written expressions, reading selections, or artwork
• use of alcohol or illicit drugs
• witnessing abuse or violence in the home

What should be done if parents or others are concerned?

When a youngster makes a serious threat it should not be dismissed as just idle talk. Parents, teachers, or other adults should immediately talk with the youngster. If it is determined that the youngster is at risk and the youngster refuses to talk, is argumentative, responds defensively, or continues to express violent or dangerous thoughts or plans, arrangements should be made for an immediate evaluation by a mental health professional with experience evaluating kids and teens. Evaluation of any serious threat must be done in the context of the individual child's past behavior, personality, and current stressors. In an emergency situation or if the youngster or family refuses help, it may be necessary to contact local police for assistance or take the youngster to the nearest emergency room for evaluation. Kids who have made serious threats must be carefully supervised while awaiting professional intervention. Immediate evaluation and appropriate ongoing treatment of youngsters who make serious threats can help the troubled youngster and reduce the risk of tragedy.

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