Gang members are all ethnicities, both male and female, and of all socio-economic backgrounds. Many come from homes with little or no supervision or parental involvement. They are often low academic performers, truants, and cause disciplinary issues at home and school. They tend to have low self-esteem, and are usually indifferent, aggressive, angry, and apathetic because they feel hopeless.
Reasons Youth Join Gangs:
Lack of parental involvement. They seek a sense of family structure, belonging, and discipline provided by the gang.
Lack of positive role models.
Family history of gang involvement.
Peer pressure/coercion.
Protection from rival gangs or other persons or groups who threaten or bully them.
Respect and recognition from peers.
Pride for their neighborhood.
Revenge
Boredom
Warning Signs of Gang Involvement:
Tattoos depicting numbers, street names, geographic areas, three and five point stars, pitchforks, three dots, crowns.
Graffiti depicting numbers, street names, geographic areas, three and five point stars, pitchforks, three dots, crowns. Can be found on items such as clothing, shoes, backpacks, notebooks, and furniture.
Wearing clothing of all one color.
Wearing and/or displaying bandannas.
Use of an unfamiliar nickname.
Signs of drug/alcohol use.
Sings of physical abuse.
Group photos where youth are displaying hand signs.
Truancy and/or poor grades at school.
Discipline problems at home and/or school.
Tips To Deter Youth From Becoming Gang Involved:
Establish open communication.
Talk to them, not at them, and be an active listener.
Establish rules, stay consistent, and follow through with discipline.
Respond, don't react to negative behavior.
Praise and encourage positive behavior.
Spend time with them and doing family activities.
Encourage them to participate in extracurricular activities. Attend them.
Be a positive role model.
Limit their time alone or unsupervised.
Know their friends and their families.
What Can Parents Do If They Suspect Gang Involvement?
Educate yourself on the gang culture. The Mayor's Anti-Gang Office can assist with awareness information and training.
Contact local law enforcement and school administrators to learn about the levels of gang related crime and activity in your neighborhood and at your child's school.
Contact youth service organizations and/or school counselors for referrals to organizations that have experience in dealing with youth delinquency issues.
Talk to your youth and discuss the attractions, dangers, and consequences of being in a gang with your son or daughter.
Don't allow gang related behavior or displays of gang affiliation.
Assure your youth that you care, and that you are there to help and protect them.
Gang members are all ethnicities, both male and female, and of all socio-economic backgrounds. Many come from homes with little or no supervision or parental involvement. They are often low academic performers, truants, and cause disciplinary issues at home and school. They tend to have low self-esteem, and are usually indifferent, aggressive, angry, and apathetic because they feel hopeless.