Uses the story of one student to examine the role and responsibility of the school in helping violent students. (IRT)

The ravages of illegal drugs and gangs are growing discernibly worse in many American cities. Schools and school boards are going to have to sustain hope by finding the courage to oppose youth violence, gang terrorism, and drug trafficking and consumption. (MLF)

Schools and communities must break the adolescent code of silence concerning threats of violence. Schools need character education stressing courage, caring, and responsibility; regular discussions of the school discipline code; formal security discussions with parents; 24-hour hotlines; and protocols for handling reports of potential violence.…

To fight gang activity, an Ohio school system took the lead in forming a coalition consisting of representatives from 25 community groups and agencies. Actions have included providing school-based intervention and training at the high school, and establishing an intelligence link between the schools and local law enforcement. (MLF)

Reviews six books on the social ills that are threatening to overwhelm our nation's children. Issues discussed include violence as a learned behavior and hate crimes; psychiatric testing of young people used as a control mechanism; educating homeless children; inadequate health care for adolescents; and young unwed fathers. (MLF)

Every day, 160,000 children stay home from school because they are afraid of being bullied. Bullying is an unacknowledged crime of violence; adults are unaware of the problem's prevalence. The best anti-bullying programs are comprehensive and involve everyone in the school and community. A sidebar lists resources. (MLH)

High-school hazing--intimidation, humiliation, or punishment of younger recruits by veteran athletes and others--is becoming increasingly violent. Schools should react immediately and aggressively to reported incidents, develop a specific policy, educate their coaches, provide adult locker-room supervision, survey their alumni, and be observant.…

So far the courts have supported most schools' zero-tolerance policies--even those banning toy weapons, over-the-counter drugs, and unseemly conduct. However, wide-ranging get-tough policies can draw criticism. Policy experts advise school boards to ask the community, decide what people want, allow some wiggle room, create an appeals process,…

Violent incidents have marred Friday-night football games, Saturday-night dances, and other activities in schools across the country. Describes what a number of districts are doing to protect students at such events and offers advice from school security officers. (MLF)

School systems across the country are adding alternative education programs designed for violent or chronically disruptive youth. Some school districts and states are contracting with private groups to provide programs including residential schools. Other programs include the Youth Challenge Corps, authorized by Congress in 1992, and boot-camp…

Video games are neither neutral nor harmless but represent very specific social and symbolic constructs. Research on the social content of today's video games reveals that sex bias and gender stereotyping are widely evident throughout the Nintendo games. Violence and aggression also pervade the great majority of the games. (MLF)

In "Hosemann v. Oakland Unified School District," a California Superior Court ruled that Oakland public schools have an affirmative duty to alleviate crime and violence on school campuses. Both students and staff members are now protected against violent acts on school grounds. Guidelines are offered for school boards and administrators…

A disturbed student armed with a rifle terrified a rural high school. Although the student was disarmed without harming anyone, a crisis game plan was needed. Offers suggestions for administrators to prepare for a potentially lethal crisis. (MLF)

Teen dating violence is common but preventable. A survey of Texas high schoolers showed that half of respondents had been victims of dating violence. A majority of both sexes believed that certain behaviors justified being hit by their dating partners. It is important to raise the awareness of school personnel, parents, and students. Peer…