How to Keep a Teen out of a Gang

Teens connecting with peers for support and camaraderie can be a positive thing. Unfortunately, teens can also become involved with other young people in a negative way. Youth gangs have the express purpose of promoting violence and illegal activities, according to the School Family website. As a parent, keeping your teenager from joining a gang can help ensure your child̵7;s safety and successful future.

Instructions

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      Maintain a strong family circle around your teenager that will support him and show him love. Demonstrate interest in his activities. Youngsters often turn to gangs for support and validation if family support is missing in their lives, warns the National Crime Prevention Council.

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      Help your teen find ways to serve in the community and help others. A teen with a proactive and serving attitude toward others often derives personal satisfaction and value. You help motivate and empower your youngster to work hard and make a difference when she has service opportunities. Local volunteering, such as helping in a homeless shelter or even keeping parks and highways clean are ways a young person can serve in a community.

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      Encourage positive extracurricular activities for your child to keep him busy. Participating in sports programs, organized school clubs, employment or church groups can keep a youngster productive. The less unstructured and unsupervised time a teenager has, the less likely he will have to explore negative pursuits such as gang activity.

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      Set expectations for behavior and conduct so your teen knows the rules. By communicating rules clearly, your teen will know how to operate within the system and follow the rules. For example, set rules about alcohol consumption, drug use, school attendance and curfews, along with clear consequences for breaking rules. This enables your teen to make conscious decisions about conduct because she knows what you expect and she knows the consequences for choosing not to follow a rule.

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      Spend time with your adolescent pursuing common interests and activities. Take a drawing class together, walk the dog, go out for coffee or play a board game. Look for opportunities to share in your child̵7;s interests to develop a strong bond.

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      Talk about gangs with your teen -- especially if gangs are prevalent in your area and in your teen̵7;s school. It̵7;s important to combat any attractive messages about gangs that your teen may receive, such as solidarity, support and respect. On the contrary, present gangs as are they are in reality -- violent, controlling and dangerous. Reassure your teen that his family and friends can provide him with anything positive he thinks he might receive from gang membership, such as love and support.

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