As sad as it is, school violence is an ever-growing trend — one that has parents and kids alike worried about what each new day will bring. Today's kids have more to worry about than the bullies who once threatened children for their lunch money. They have to worry about being shot or stabbed. What's even worse is that often it isn't the bully — it's the quiet kid who seems overlooked by everyone else who carries out the attack.

It seems like every time you turn on the news there is a new incident. But shootings and stabbings aren't the only school violence taking place. High schools are full of teenagers who hang together in groups looking for others to taunt and harass.

Not Just for High School

Don't make the mistake of thinking high school is the only place for school violence. It is just as bad in middle schools — and there are problems in elementary schools too. Children come home crying because someone made fun of their clothes, or the teacher asked a question they didn't understand and the whole class laughed.

Middle school may be even worse than high school because it is such a fragile time in a child's life — a time of physical change and identity formation. Many pre-teens spend their nights plotting what they will do to some unsuspecting child the next day. Many targeted children feel that telling anyone will only make things worse and try to deal with the hurt and anger alone. Is it any wonder that good grades are no longer at the top of our children's list? Survival has replaced them.