The term "social toxicity" is used to refer to significant changes that have occurred in the social and peer conflict environment of adolescents. The term implies negative cultural and social influences may shorten life or cause well-being to deteriorate and may interact with violence. The result involves cumulative risk factors that affect the extent of violence children may experience. In attempting to understand the nature of violence in human experiences, the author recommends a focus on social science, human studies, and soul-searching. He concludes that, because Americans share a common spiritual ancestry and a common spiritual aspiration, it is possible to find common ground in dealing with violence-related trauma. 16 references