In the wake of the Newtown tragedy school teachers and administrators are showing heightened concerns about violence of all sorts. But is imaginary gun play among young kids really a threat? Some schools are responding by with new zero tolerance policies on violent play. Should toy guns and gun play be banned in schools?.

Nancy Carlsson-Paige is a professor of education at Lesley University and a co-founder of Lesley's masters degree program in conflict resolution and peaceable schools, as well as co-author, The War Play Dilemma. Jane Katch is a teacher who has explored children's violent fantasies and aggressive behavior. She is the author of Under Deadman's Skin: Discovering the Meaning of Children's Violent Play. Peter DeWitt Ed.D has been a principal in Upstate, NY since 2006. He blogs at Finding Common Ground for Education Week and is the author of Dignity for All. Deborah J. Stewart, M.Ed., over 20 years in the field of early childhood education.