Trying to untangle thoughts from emotions the morning after the shock of hearing about the latest high school shooting in Colorado is not easy. Getting some words down on paper so that they are not too trite may be even tougher. But here goes anyway.

Last month I wrote that there are many facts about child development that are self evident, yet continue to be controversial.

It would be comforting if I could feel as certain about the causes and cures of what has now become the seventh major outburst of high school gun violence in less than two and a half years. Even though we may be confused about what's happening, it does not mean that we do not have a "clue" to what is contributing to the problem. Let me list what I think I know. It might prove to be similar to what you know. That in itself may put a dent into the notion that there is nothing but uncertainty surrounding these shootings.

1. I know that a semi-automatic rifle in the hands of a potential killer is going to kill more and maim more. Question? What are these guns or any other guns doing in the hands of minors?

2. I know that media displays of outrageous bloodletting, dramatically portrayed with fetishistic, exotic and ghoulish artistry, is fascinating to young people in general. It is even more seriously arousing and potent to the psyches of the most impressionable and emotionally insecure. Question? Why do many cultural critics shy away from saying how dangerous this kind of entertainment is. Instead, many become neutral on the content, preferring to comment on the artfulness of the cinematography, or how exquisitely intriguing an offbeat rock star is, or how wonderful the special effects of a movie is.

3. When a gang of alienated teenagers come together and construct a public persona based on outlandish dress, degrading rituals, playing with guns, cruelty to animals, and in your face behavior, this is a sure sign that members of this group will not be happy until they play out a larger drama of committing serious mayhem. Question: Why do some still think that these kids are nothing more than isolated oddballs that are relatively harmless, when there is plenty of evidence that their individual and group rage can be explosive?

4. In every case that we have recently read about, the incidents are taking place not in the inner cities, but in the "safe" suburbs. The first comments always are: This couldn't be happening here. Question? With all the documented facts we have about excessive alcohol, drugs, sex, bigotry, family problems and social isolation in the suburbs, how long will the process of denial hamper our efforts to come to grips with what has become a national problem?

Let's make the record clear. Troubled teens have always been among us and as any parent knows, even good teenagers can be a handful. But there may be a difference today. Just as fear has, for decades, stalked the inner city with extraordinary damage to the safety, morale and the spirit of the innocent millions who live there, we may have entered into a new stage in the nation's suburbs. Now, it is credible for parents and students to be fearful that something terrible might be lurking in the shadows of the previously secure haven of the average suburban high school. The seven recent incidents do put a spotlight on the possibilities. Whatever preventive strategies we can devise could become crucial. Some schools are already doing a good job, but not all. Here's my suggestion: Every high school and maybe even junior high school, needs a checklist to see if they are properly organized to deal with unusual happenings of violence.

Here are the questions I would hope the list would contain:

1. Do we have a crisis intervention team trained and ready to act in case of an emergency that emanates from gun use or other acts of violence?

2. Do we have widespread training of teachers and administrators that allow them to spot emotional instability on the part of students and do we know how to guide them to help?

3. Do we have adequate mental health personnel or referral access for troubled adolescents?

4. Do we have ongoing psychological support for parents dealing with the complicated issues of the teen years. Can parents get information and help without embarrassment or hassle?

5. Do we have conflict resolution teams of students and faculty? Are they trained to spot signs of future trouble?

6. Do we have a policy and programs for students that teach tolerance of diversity and that punish acts of bigotry?

7. Do we have a protocol in place for the discovery of weapons and proper treatment for those who carry them?

8. Do we have good relations with law enforcement authorities who might help us if necessary?

Of course, we have to avoid putting the burden of dealing with wayward behavior only on the schools. It goes without saying that the home and the community play crucial roles. Nevertheless, everyone has a right to expect that schools, of all places, are made as safe as possible.

To those who might ask, "Aren't we becoming excessive in our vigilance?" After all, while these incidents are admittedly dramatic and terrible, they are still rare when you look at the country as a whole." I hope our response will be "to the extent possible, we won't let it happen here, rather than "it can't happen here."