This Kids Count report of the Action Alliance for Virginia's Children and Youth reviews the role of schools, bullying, media, family violence, gangs, and substance use in the violence experienced by children and young people in Virginia and the United States. The report finds that increasing numbers of young people experience violent images and messages in the media or are either witnesses to, offenders in, or victims of violence. Key risk factors are identified that increase the likelihood of violence among young people: peer pressure; need for attention or respect; feelings of low self-worth or feeling isolated or rejected; early childhood abuse or neglect; witnessing violence at home, in the community, or in the media; and easy access to weapons. Violence is seen as a learned but not an inevitable response to anger or lack of control. The report also finds that effective early prevention programs targeting younger children focus on multiple factors associated with youth violence, are oriented to the family, and involve long-term efforts. A number of factors are highlighted that lessen the likelihood of violence, including early care and education and after-school care; strong and supportive adults in family, school, and community; parental monitoring of media in the home; and restricted availability of weapons. (DLH)