How to Tell If Your Child is in a Gang

Children don't typically become heavily involved in a gang overnight -- it is a gradual process with concrete warning signs that your child is going down a risky path. Children tend to join gangs as a way to gain acceptance, but gang activity can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. If you notice any of the warning signs related to gang involvement, make an appointment with your child's pediatrician or a mental health professional immediately.

  1. Changes in Appearance

    • Gangs each have their own symbolic colors or logos, so if your child is suddenly dead set on always wearing a particular color or logo, it could signal gang involvement, according to Community Oriented Policing Services, or COPS. Another warning sign is when a child draws gang symbols or logos on his clothing or body or gets a tattoo of a gang symbol. Making gang signs with hands is another warning sign. Examples of gang signs include making a letter "C" shape with the first finger and thumb or tapping on the chest with a closed fist. Suddenly wearing baggy clothes or sporting a radical new hairstyle are also potential signs of gang activity.

    Unexplained Injuries and Possessions

    • If your child is coming home with injuries that he's unwilling to explain, he might be involved in a gang. For example, if your child has injuries related to fighting, such as bruised or cracked knuckles or bruises elsewhere on the body, it could mean he's participating in gang-related activities. A child who comes home with new clothes or jewelry and won't tell you where he got them, or a child who has unexplained amounts of cash might also be involved with a gang, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

    Changes in Behavior

    • Certain changes in behavior can be attributed to involvement with a gang. Signs include sudden disrespectful behavior at home or sudden disobedience, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. Staying out later than normal, using drugs or alcohol, carrying a weapon, a sudden desire for more privacy, ditching school and withdrawal from the family are all signs that your child might be participating in gang activity. Using gang slang words, such as "gangsta," "playa" and "chillax," may be innocent, but should raise your suspicions and put you on guard, according to the University of Illinois at Chicago.

    Interest in Gangs and Gang Activities

    • A new-found interest in gang-related music, books, movies, video games is another red flag. A child researching a specific gang online might also be considering joining a gang or could already be involved with a particular gang. If your child has recently starting spending time with questionable friends, it could be another sign that she's become part of a gang. Hanging posters of a specific gang in her bedroom is an indication that your child looks up to the gang lifestyle, so it's time to talk and take action.

    Prevent Gang Involvement

    • Pay close attention to where your child spends time and who he spends time with. (See Reference 4 Second Bulleted List) Get to know your child's friends and his friends' parents. Sign your child up for extracurricular activities, such as a sports team, art class or church youth group, suggests the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, (See Reference 4 Second Bulleted List) which provide a structured environment. Make rules about what your child is allowed to wear, watch on television and download in the form of music, games and apps. In addition to speaking with his pediatrician, connecting your child to a youth pastor, a counselor or police officer can also reduce the risk that he'll become involved in a gang.

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