Key Points

Please take a moment to review these points, reflect on their significance and consider how they apply to your own experiences.

Tick to confirm (optional):

• Recognise early warning signs: tone changes, clenched fists, crowding, throwing objects, rapid breathing, refusal to let staff leave, sudden shift to threats.
• Use low-and-slow: lower tone, slow speech and movements to help the young person process information.
• Prioritise non-verbal cues: open posture, visible hands, relaxed stance, and avoid blocking exits or cornering.
• Keep language calm and simple; fewer words and short, clear boundaries reduce escalation risk.
• Create and maintain physical space rather than crowding; step back when risk rises and invite the young person to move if safe.
• Pause the task and get support when the situation keeps escalating-stepping back is sound judgement, not failure.
• Delay consequence conversations for 20-30 minutes after a real or perceived threat to allow physiological settling.
• Managers should set culture and thresholds that encourage reporting and action on early warning signs, not only extreme behaviour.