Schools that count on metal detectors to stem the flow of weapons into the schools create a false sense of security. Recommendations include investing in personnel rather than hardware, cultivating the confidence of law-abiding students, and enforcing discipline. Metal detectors can be quite effective at afterschool events. (MLF)

Two recent books, "When Good Kids Kill," by Michael D. Kelleher, and "Lost Boys," by James Garbarino, explore how children become killers and suggest ways to reduce our high-pressure society's epidemic levels of youth violence. Physically or psychologically distant parents and unaffirmative media messages are negative…

In a case involving a knife in a car and a school's zero-tolerance policy, a circuit court decided it was unfair to expel a student for possessing a prohibited item if he did not know of its presence. Injury to another is impossible under those circumstances! (MLH)

Recognizing youth violence as a major public health issue, the National Centers for Disease Control in 1993 launched an $11 million effort to evaluate 15 violence-prevention programs used in U.S. schools. The schools will evaluate programs, using various criteria. "ASBJ" examined programs in five urban areas, highlighting major emphases,…

A Minnesota shooting shows how gaining students' trust and sharing information can mean the difference between life and death. A 16-year-old previously expelled for bringing a shotgun to school threatened firearm violence. Thanks to students' tips, the boy was intercepted (after wounding an officer) and taken into custody. (MLH)

The number of students killed or injured by gunfire while at schools is increasing. The National Rifle Association, the nation's powerful gun lobby, has a gun safety program; however, children's advocates say stricter gun-control laws are necessary. Briefly cites 24 gun incidents and describes 4 semiautomatic pistols that were among the firearms…

Belonging matters to adolescents. PSI Associates, a private consortium of psychologists, educators, and prevention specialists, has developed several prevention/intervention programs, including Positive Peer Groups, which has disengaged teens working alongside successful students on high-profile service projects. PSI's Teens Resisting Violence…

Discusses the implications of "Niziol," a case in which a Florida high school student was killed in the school parking lot when his gun accidentally discharged. The parents sued the school board in federal district court. The magistrate dismissed all the federal law claims, though she postponed her decision on the state law claims. (MLF)

The only way to prepare for a violence-induced crisis in a school system is to develop a crisis-preparedness policy. Offers guidelines to a school board in developing such a plan. (MLF)

Peer mediation is one of hundreds of programs schools are using to enhance security or prevent violence. The Winning Against Violent Environments (WAVE) conflict-resolution program in Cleveland, Ohio, is one of the oldest in the country. Lists seven sources of information. (MLF)

Well-designed problem-solving plans have something metal detectors and security cameras lack: proof of success. SARA, an acronym for Scanning, Analysis, Response, and Assessment, was shown to increase school safety in districts in Charlotte, North Carolina, and St. Petersburg, Florida. Program workings are explained. (MLH)

Building community and attending to students' developmental needs is as essential as achieving high test scores. Schools must make a conscious effort to improve the quality of on-campus personal interactions. Staff should "personalize" their communication styles, encourage more student participation in extracurricular activities, and rethink…

This program's success is based on trust between the committee members and the administration, the administration's willingness to share power with students--some of whom have not been model students, and the selection of students who are "underground" leaders and who are willing and able to help resolve student conflicts. (Author/IRT)