Violence in schools has reached epidemic proportions. This paper uses an educator's perspective to examine issues of school violence. It is believed that violence arises from a combination of family-related issues, the media, hatreds and phobias, and poverty. Families have become increasingly fractured and dysfunctional while violence on television and in videos is on the rise. Hate crimes continue to increase and inadequate employment threatens to burgeon an increasing underclass. Another key problem is the availability of guns which brings a heightened severity in violent casualties. Many young children witness acts of violence, to their detriment, and the best time to prevent aggressive tendencies from developing is to address these tendencies in early childhood. To deal effectively with violence, a strong involvement of all members of society is urged. Schools, communities, organizations, and government must all be active, collaborative participants in the quest for peace. A number of suggestions is given for schools in particular to curb violence; evidence shows that students respond when they are given the opportunity to be a part of the solution. However, schools cannot be solely responsible for fixing the problem. Parents, the community, lawmakers, and schools are all encouraged to work together to establish peace. (RJM)