This article, in attempting to reach an understanding of school violence and to fashion a response to the problem, discusses a perceptual framework, the issue of violence itself, the magnitude of the problem of school violence in Canada, legal issues, victim issues, and media issues. Common themes for a solution to the problem of school violence involve empowering young people, providing positive alternatives, developing school/community/ interagency partnerships, and enforcing school policies vis-a-vis weapons and violence. Some potential barriers to interagency cooperation in meeting this problem stem from funding issues, different approaches, the need to reconcile agency requirements and legal obligations, and the need to include all stakeholders in the process. 42 notes