This study involved a survey based on a preliminary poll asking children in a Bronx (New York) classroom (N=26) to list their fears. Many children have fears at all levels of severity. The general perception seems to be that in recent years children are more stressed and less equipped to handle fear. The initial poll revealed that children's fears were very similar, and included a parent dying or getting sick, gang violence, domestic violence, violence on television, and being left alone or abandoned. The survey consisted of 21 questions administered to 26 children in a second grade classroom. The questions asked about certain situations consistent with the preliminary poll. Results showed that children attributed nightmares to television violence; most were always worried about a parent getting sick; 19 said they were afraid that a fight at their house would end with someone getting hurt or hit; 12 were afraid parents would leave if the children did something wrong (usually because of verbal threats to that effect); 24 said they were afraid to go outside and play because of gang violence; and when asked to create their own safe place, most children changed their environment, with responses ranging from a police station, to another state, to a clubhouse. Based on the findings, several classroom strategies are suggested to help children deal with fear, including journal writing for the children, rap sessions, and parent education. (EV)