This report focuses on the causative factors of violence in school children. It summarizes information about the demographic and mental health characteristics of students who carry weapons to school and includes comments from students on the reasons why they carry them, as well as what the research says. Results of the 1999 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, administered to 109 high schools in the state of Oregon who voluntarily participated, are highlighted throughout the report. The influence of television on risky behaviors among youth is considered. Prevention programs are discussed, including family education about gun safety, gun availability, and national legislation to help keep guns away from students. The report includes Table One, "Percentage of Students Who Carried Weapons during the Previous 30 Days, by Demographic and Behavioral Characteristics," and Table Two, "Selected Demographic and Behavioral Characteristics by Hours of Television Watching." (Contains 11 endnotes and 8 figures.) (JDM)