Making Sense of School Violence: why do Kids Kill? (IN: School Violence: Assessment, Management, Prevention, edited by M Shafii & S L Shafii)

This chapter examines the incidence of homicide committed by young people in America. Suicide by young people is also briefly discussed. Risk factors which contribute to violence by young people are outlined & include: child abuse, gangs, substance abuse, weapons, arrests, neurological problems, & difficulties at school. The spread of violence among young people is discussed. The chapter concludes with a review of the influence of childhood factors on adolescent behaviours. (24 refs.)