The mere act of living in today's society is dangerous to the health and well-being of children and adolescents. The concept of the socially toxic environment is offered as a parallel to the environmental movement's analysis of physical toxicity. Social life is more risky than it was just 40 years ago, and the level of social and cultural poison is higher. This social deterioration, which is related to the changing nature of our economy and the growing dependence of families on the community for support, jeopardizes the basic needs of children, which are defined as stability, security, affirmation and acceptance, family time, values, connection to the community, and access to basic resources. The degree to which these needs are met shapes children's social maps, their behavior, and their hope for the future. The forms these needs take and the ways the socially toxic environment prevent their being met are reviewed. Some of the ways parents, concerned citizens, and policymakers, and professionals can start changing the environment are outlined. A "Resources" section lists things that can be done, from A to Z, to improve the social environment. (Contains 125 references.) (SLD)