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When Materials May Cause Harm
Throwing, breaking, or using materials in a dangerous way can create injury or property risk. Keep established safety procedures primary before considering ordinary classroom supports.
Safety First
Safety comes before ordinary coaching. Follow established safety plans and school or organization procedures, involve trained personnel, and seek emergency or medical assistance when needed. Positive Change Behavior Coach does not provide crisis-intervention instructions.
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Use the Coach to get a practical strategy for this behavior.
What this can look like
Throwing objects toward people or unsafe areas
Breaking materials or furniture
Reaching for dangerous or restricted materials
Using classroom items in a way that may cause injury
Before deciding why it is happening
First determine whether anyone is in immediate danger and follow established procedures. When safe, describe the observable situation and avoid assuming intent.
Possible Contextual Influences
- —Frustration, conflict, or unexpected changes
- —Access to unsafe, fragile, or restricted items
- —Sensory overload or difficulty communicating
- —Pain, fatigue, or other physical factors
Practical things to try
- 01Follow the established safety plan and secure support from trained personnel
- 02Reduce access to hazards only as permitted by your procedures
- 03Use brief, calm communication and an accessible help signal
- 04Review the context with the appropriate school or clinical team after safety is restored
Replacement Skills
Skills to teach and reinforce instead:
- • Requesting help, a break, or a turn
- • Using an agreed way to move or return materials
- • Communicating frustration before handling materials unsafely
Common Mistakes
- — Treating dangerous material use as ordinary property misbehavior
- — Attempting to physically remove an item without appropriate training and authorization
- — Continuing ordinary demands while injury risk is present