During the Peak Phase, behavior is clearly out of control. At this point, prevention of the problem behavior is not possible, and the teacher is forced to deal with it. Students may physically assault others, hurt themselves, cry hysterically, or destroy property–any of which might lead to devastating outcomes. Because the behavior at this point is often loud and explosive and then abruptly ends, the Peak Phase tends to be a short one. However, the aftermath of this critical event, or “behavioral earthquake,” is often quite serious. For obvious reasons, it is best to prevent behaviors from escalating to this point.