Significant shifts in community violence have created a need for greater awareness of character development and violence prevention in schools. Since the first edition (2008), public concern generated by high-profile shootings and other violence in schools has only increased. Now more than ever, effective strategies for preventing violence, treating victims, and assessing at-risk children are needed. This new edition, an update of contemporary issues of school violence, is a compendium of theory, research, and applied models that addresses violence and critical ingredients in prevention interventions in the school setting. The book uniquely addresses psychiatric input on neurobiology of trauma and victimization of children who experience school violence. Authored by clinicians, counselors, educators, researchers, and other professionals, the volume has new approaches to primary prevention in schools and new contributors including a school superintendent, school safety officer, and specialists who treat relationship and dating violence. New topics include guidelines for school personnel that address exploitation of teenagers due to sex trafficking, and perspectives of parents whose children were victims of abuse and violence in schools. Among the topics explored: * Developmental Issues in the Prevention of Aggression and Violence in School * Updated Perspectives on Linking School Bullying and Related Youth Violence Research to Effective Prevention Strategies * The Role of School District Superintendent in School Violence and Prevention: Softening Schools While Hardening Buildings * Role of Law Enforcement in School Violence Prevention Through Positive Intervention and Relationship-Building * Empowering Children to Prevent Violence School Violence and Primary Prevention is a critical and timely resource for school, medical, and mental health professionals working with children. It is also useful for students in public health, education, social work, psychology, and counseling-focused education.

Part I: Conceptualizing School Violence.- 1. School-Related Violence: Definition, Scope, and Prevention Goals.- 2. The Neurobiology of Violence and Victimization: Etiology, Biological Substrates, Clinical Implications, and Preventive Strategies.- 3. Devel