In some countries, a distinctive culture of violence has developed that affect children and adolescents, mainly the disadvantaged, both as perpetrators and as victims. Death squads attack street children in some Latin American countries. In the United States, the ready availability of guns is a major factor. In Latin America, links to the drug trade are major factors in violence. Attempts to address the problem of violence have been repressive or paternalistic. If new measures are not put into effect immediately, what is now happening in Colombia will expand like an epidemic throughout the continent. 15 references (Author abstract modified)