How to Recognize Gang Affiliation Behavior in Kids

Identifying behaviors that signal trouble--what do you look for? Sudden change is always an indicator of something being amiss. Pay close attention to any sudden changes in personality, associations, appearance and attitude. Specifically, look at the following areas:

Noticing that old friends aren't around is a red flag. If there are new friends that you don't get to meet, you need to find out what's going on. An attitude of secrecy about new friends can be a strong indicator of gang involvement. Look for a young person suddenly developing a secretive lifestyle where they don't want to discuss where they're going or what they're doing anymore.

Letting go of things they once enjoyed: Scouting, church groups, boy's club or even corner ballgames is a sure sign that something is wrong. Kids don't outgrow all their activities at once unless something is up. If they act like their favorite things and people and places aren't cool anymore or like they're somehow above all that, you need to be suspicious.

Dressing differently: if they suddenly insist on only one certain brand, or they won't go out without one particular jacket or pair of sneakers, pay attention. Some gangs have one pants leg higher than the other. Some shave lines into their right eyebrows, or have a tattoo that distinguishes them. Seeing them with others that all have the same clothing or haircuts is a good indication that there may be gang affiliation.

Speaking a new language. Kids may suddenly talk differently, using slang you've never heard or making up words. Some gangs swap out their c's for b's, as in bigarette for cigarette. They may suddenly become foul mouthed or smart mouthed or they may just talk about different subjects. Suddenly you may hear or overhear them talking about crime, fighting, weapons, cops, or overtly talking about gangs.

Changing attitudes: gang members quickly are taught new attitudes. They may appear to be suddenly confrontational, arrogant, distanced, hostile or just cold or mean. They just seem to have a new sense of bravado.

Coming home looking like they've been fighting: watch for torn clothes and bruises or bleeding. Watch especially for weapons as these are a staple of gang life. Guns, knives, switchblades and the like always mean danger, but they often mean gang danger in particular.

Finding drugs or paraphernalia is also indicative of trouble anytime but this, too, goes along with gang life. Don't fall for weak excuses. Clean kids don't hang with users and they don't hide their drugs for them, either.

Disappearing acts: kids who suddenly skip school, stay out until all hours and even disappear for blocks of time, are into something. This behavior may start with lame excuses, but it will grow into an attitude that what they're doing is none of anyone else's business.

None of these things alone would be a strong indicator of gang involvement, but the more of these behaviors there are, the greater the chances of youth gang involvement. The best thing to do is to keep close tabs on your young person so that you'll be aware when small changes in their behavior take place. Knowing their friends, activities and keeping up with their daily involvements is the best protection from trouble you can find.

Whether you suspect trouble or not, it's a good idea to find out what's going on with gangs in your area. Call your local law enforcement agencies to find out what's available. They can tell you what gangs are around and how they're identified as well as giving you information about any programs in your area. Information and education are still the best weapons we have.