No studies have directly linked school violence with lower student achievement, but the connection is obvious. When students and school staff are preoccupied with issues of personal safety, it is reasonable to assume less time and energy are spent on academic concerns. Further, when individuals are in a constant state of anxiety, their mental state precludes optimum academic performance. Indirect results of violence can therefore lower student achievement and teacher effectiveness. The author discusses the extent of the violence problem as it relates to children, types of violence children encounter, how children are affected by violence, factors that affect children's responses to violence, and what schools can do to help children cope. Particular consideration is paid to societal violence, community- based violence, school-based violence, and interpersonal violence. Suggested educational activities and a list of support groups, organizations, and agencies are appended. 33 notes