Youth Under Fire (2013)

Columbine. Virginia Tech. Sandy Hook. They are three names that will forever be associated with the same devastating phenomenon: kids killing kids. Compared to other developed countries, rates of youth violence in the United States are staggeringly high. In fact, homicide remains the second-leading cause of death for Americans between 15 and 24. This enlightening documentary seeks to explore the many ways in which violence has infiltrated American culture. How is violence learned among today's youth? Why does it happen in the first place? And - most importantly - how do we teach our kids that violence is not an option? Through examining gang violence, mass shootings, and common acts of violence, Youth Under Fire: the Fight Against Violence seeks to discover what these devastating situations have in common. To find the answers, we rely on those closest to the problem, including gang members, victims of youth violence, and experts who have tried to answer this troubling riddle for years. And through powerful stories of hope and perseverance, we learn that being a victim of violence does not necessarily lead to being a victim of circumstance.