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Kids join gangs for a sense of belonging in a cruel world. They want respect, support, family, love,and protection that they might not neccessarily get at home but at a very high price, their lives. Gang members are usually from broken homes and have low self-esteem. They look upon the gangs as their 'family'. Their family 'gang" protects them and makes them feel safe. Why do gangs form? A Financial gain is a powerful motive for gang involvement, especially for impoverished youths with poor education and lack of access to decent jobs (McKinney). The vast sums of money available through the drug trade have increased the size of gangs, both by recruitment and by longer retention of members. Usually only a few adult gang members make large sums of money. Aware that courts treat juveniles far more leniently than adults, they shield themselves by using juvenile gang members as everything from lookouts to gang hitmen (NSSC). Drug trafficking makes traditional turf battles bloodier by providing the money for sophisticated weaponry, and it creates new sources of conflict as rival gangs fight over lucrative drug territories (McKinney). How can I tell if my child is in a gang? A 1) They wear clothing of one particlar color 2) They wear sagging pants 3) Use of graffiti 4) Use of hand signals 5) Constant use of slang 6) Poor grades 7) Defying authority 8) Anti-social 9) Use of drugs and/or alcohol 10) Unexplained large amounts of money 11) Signs of physical injury If a child shows some of these signs, it doesnt neccessarily mean he or she is in a gang, but you should look into it. More
Indicators of Possible Gang Involvement
Parents need to understand that prevention is an important key to controlling gang activity within our community. Learn the warning signs of gang membership in order to better direct your children away from involvement. it is important to understand that many of the following indicators may be "innocent" by themselves, but when put together they may strongly signal gang involvement. Changes in the child's behavior. Not associating with long-time friends and being secretive about new friends and activities. Changes in hair or dress style and/or having a group of friends who have the same hair or dress style. Changes in normal routines with new friends, such as not coming home after school or staying out late at night with no explanation. Suspected drug use, such as alcohol, inhalants, and narcotic. Unexplained material possessions such as expensive clothing, jewelry, money, etc. The presence of firearms, ammunition, or other deadly weapons. Change in attitude about school, church, or other normal activities. Discipline problems at school, church, or other attended functions. Lower grades at school or skipping school. Change in behavior at home-increase in confrontational behavior, such as talking back, verbal abuse, name calling, and a disrespect for parental authority. A new fear of police. Phone threats to the family from rival gangs (or unknown callers) directed against your child. Photographs of your child and others displaying gang handsigns, weapons, cash, drugs or gang-type clothing. Graffiti on or around your residence, especially in a child's room such as on walls, furniture, clothing, notebooks, etc. May also include drawings and "doodling" of gang-related figures, themes of violence, or gang symbolisms. When looking; over a child's homework reports, be alert for the letters "B" or "C" to be crossed out or inverted, or these same letters being used improperly, or to replace one another, such as the word cigarette being spelled "bigarette". Physical signs of being in a fight, such as bruises and cuts and secrecy on the child's part as to how they were received. A new found sense of bravery-brags that he/she are too tough to be "messed" with. Use of a new nickname. A new-found sympathy or defending of gang activity by your child. Tattoos or "branding" with gang-related symbols. Most gang members make very little money being part of a gang. Those who do, usually end up doing time. Plus, if you're in a gang, it's far more likely that you'll drop out of school because of problems with rival gang members. Getting your education is the key to making money--not joining a gang. I can never get out of my gang. Wrong! Gang members decide to leave the gang lifestyle every day in cities around the U.S. It is a myth that the only way to leave a gang is by dying. Most gang members who leave are able to live normal lives, going to school and working just like everyone else. However, in some cases, getting out of a gang isn't easy, and you may have to leave your home, school or community in order to be safe. It IS easier to get into a gang than to get out of one, but you can choose to leave the gang life today. Here is one example of a man who left his gang for a better life. There are many more examples of people who have successfully walked away from gangs, as well. The best option of all, however, is to stay out of gangs in the first place
Table of Contents The Site Fights Anti-Gang Website What are gangs and how are they formed? Why do kids join gangs? How can I tell if my child is in a gang? Common Myths About Gangs: Get the Truth |