Despite the recent decrease in homicide levels in the past few years (1994-95), overall there has been an increase in homicides in the past decade, which has occurred with a teenage population that is smaller than it has been in recent years. Furthermore, the current generation of teenagers is only a fraction of the size of the much larger group of 5- to 15-year- olds who will soon be moving into the crime-prone teenage years. Our society's primary response to this trend has been to invest more in and rely more on the criminal justice system, which in turn uses punishment and incapacitation as its primary mechanisms of behavioral control. Instead of focusing on the needs of children for quality education, economic opportunities, safe and good homes, and loving families, all of which go a long way toward preventing violence, America's policymakers more quickly opt for punishment after the fact. There is overwhelming evidence that many of the adolescents and young adults who first become delinquent and later develop into criminals were exposed earlier in their lives to much violence, disorganized families, poor education, and limited opportunities. What is needed is a shift in thinking and behaving within our society from people isolating themselves and not caring or taking the easy way out, to people working together, taking responsibility for others, and helping children develop the values and respect that comes from within families and community. To achieve such goals, society must be supportive and make a commitment to changing media values communicated to children; providing economic opportunities and other options for youth; applying stricter gun control and responsibility policies; and changing general attitudes to make violence unpopular, unappealing, and even unacceptable for the majority of people. 11 references