1. SCHOOL VIOLENCE < 1% of all homicides among school-aged children (5-19) occur in or around school grounds or on the way to and from school

2. The mix has become appallingly predictable: volcanic anger, no skills to vent the anger or ease the pain, no trusted adult to turn to, and accessibility of firearms. Result: wounded or even dead students, faculty, and staff at schools in all parts of our nation.

3. Are our schools safe? One death per million student - a year 13 years in school = one in about 107,000 of a violent death in school, on school property, or while commuting to school The homicide rate was nine times higher in urban schools as in rural ones

4. FACTS Who dies: –65% of school-associated violent deaths were students –11% were teachers or other staff members –23% were community members 83% of school homicide or suicide victims were males Where: –28% of the fatal injuries happened inside the school building – 36% occurred outdoors on school property –35% occurred off campus

5. CAUSES?? The most important influences on violence are environmental. "They're frustrated, angry, in some pain, not getting everything they want. They feel like victims. They have no concern about others -- they don't think about others. It's all about who they are and what they want.” Overheating, crowding, isolation and uncomfortable conditions promote aggression

7. WARNING SIGNS OF SOMEONE WHO MAY COMMIT ACTS OF VIOLENCE!! Lack of interest in school Absence of age-appropriate anger control skills Seeing self as always the victim Persistent disregard for or refusal to follow rules Cruelty to pets or other animals Artwork or writing that is bleak or violent or that depicts isolation or anger Talking constantly about weapons or violence Obsessions with things like violent games and TV shows Depression or mood swings Bringing a weapon (any weapon) to school History of bullying Misplaced or unwarranted jealousy Involvement with or interest in gangs Self-isolation from family and friends Talking about bringing weapons to school

8. Resolve the conflicts Don't panic Watch the kids Repair the society Make access to handguns harder and make guns safer Improve access to prenatal and neonatal health care Improve the schools serving our most at-risk portions of the population Create/support norms that do not tolerate violence or strong aggression Create/redevelop sound resources for high-risk kids and families. WHAT TO DO??