Gang involvement

Overview
A gang is a loosely organized group of people who collaborate for social reasons. Some children or teens join a gang to meet needs not satisfied by their traditional family, such as belonging, acceptance, attention or fulfillment.
Youth gang members often identify themselves by street names; by wearing certain colors, clothing, tattoos, brands or hairstyles; or with hand signals, symbols, jargon or slang. Generally, a leader or group of leaders issues orders and reaps the benefits.

Some gangs engage in illegal or antisocial activities, such as fighting, vandalism, graffiti, armed robbery, weapon offenses, auto theft, battery, drug dealing, and sexual misconduct or assaults. Gang initiation may include violent behavior, which may be random in nature. There may also be specific codes, such as not "ratting" on another member.

Keep in mind that these are general gang characteristics. These may or may not be true for everyone.

Gang members come from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Although young people may join gangs throughout adolescence, some researchers have identified the greatest risk around age 15. According to some estimates, young men may be nearly three times more likely to join a gang than young women. Another study found that nearly 40 percent of all gangs had female members, however.

Warning signs of youth gang involvement may include:

sudden poor academic performance
marking skin with tattoos or burns
using gang graffiti on books, folders or other property
suddenly wanting clothing to be all one color
using hand signals, jargon or slang not universally or culturally recognized
sudden affluence (for example, money, car or new clothing)
secretiveness about activities
carrying a weapon
being arrested or detained by the police
unusual punctuality and sense of urgency not common in usual activities, such as school
Factors such as poverty, alcohol and drug abuse, violence, lack of education and employment opportunities, failure at socially acceptable activities (such as school or jobs), a family history of gang involvement, and media glorification of gangs may lead to youth gang activity. Living in a community where gang involvement is a community norm is another factor. Sometimes, cultural barriers or perspectives lead to an "us vs. them" mentality. Sometimes adolescents join gangs for a sense of safety and protection from other gangs.

Family factors, such as divorce and other family transitions, can lead to youth gang involvement. Family strain caused by economic pressures, violence or other factors may prompt children to rely on peers for emotional support. A lack of parental and other adult role models may also play a part. Sometimes, a need for affiliation is met through an association with delinquent peers. This may be compounded by a need for achievement that can't be met at school or home and a need for stimulation, often combined with a feeling of invincibility. There may also be a lack of self-responsibility and susceptibility to outside influences.


Dealing with gang involvement
If you suspect your child is involved with a gang, don't ignore your feelings. Instead, talk to your child about the situation and listen to his or her feelings. Explain how gang involvement can be damaging. Teach your child early about gangs and their negative influence. Watch for signs of gang involvement, such as identifications or activities. Talk to your child's teacher about your concerns and seek support from school personnel. Report any gang activity to your local law enforcement agency.

Prevention strategies
Place a high value on education, and help your child do his or her best. With adolescents, it's especially important to communicate honestly and negotiate any conflicts that may arise. Set clear and consistent family and academic expectations. Talk to your child about drugs, alcohol, violence and gangs. Talk about values and why gangs are dangerous. Also, talk to other parents. Get involved in your child's school activities, such as academics, athletics and other interests. Get to know your child's friends, and keep tabs on your child's whereabouts. Get involved in community crime prevention or neighborhood watches. Be a responsible role model. Point out your heroes -- people with characteristics you believe to be admirable.