The discussion rests on the premise that stereotypes about rural areas are inaccurate, particularly the view that problems of drugs, violence, and crime exist only in urban areas. The authors note that youth gangs have begun to appear in many rural schools and communities; that some hate groups such as the Aryan Nation originated in rural areas and are spreading to cities; and that rates of use of alcohol and some other drugs are higher in rural areas than in urban areas. Other papers note that much rural crime has resulted from changes in rural communities, that the causes and extent of problems vary from one community to another, and that a community development approach and not an individual or psychological approach is needed for prevention and intervention. Suggested strategies, tables, figures, chapter reference lists, and appended annotated bibliography on school safety