The psychologists point out that ostracization and intimidation by other students can be very destructive, and in the long run, dangerous. There's too much of this going on. But bullying and intimidation between students has been an ever-present part of growing up, most would say. LaMonica believes that unrelenting media attention of Columbine and more recent incidents fosters similar acts. LaMonica said 'copy cat' incidents are occurring with greater frequency.
Kids are very impressionable.
They see things on television, they think, 'Man, he did that. But Northport High School senior Justine Cucciara says the media is just one of 'a million' problems facing students today that need to be addressed. Kids are so desensitized to violence, it's become an option. But society is changing. You don't have that kind of outlet.