Steps to Prevent Kids From Becoming Gang Members

A kid that associates himself with a gang generally starts to do so at around age 12, according to the National Crime Prevention Council. The Fairfax County, Virginia, website shares that kids join gangs because of the perception of a glamorized lifestyle and peer pressure, and because they want a sense of belonging. By working with your child and the community, you can help prevent gang membership and violence.

  1. Understand Why Kids Join Gangs

    • Gangs exist across all ethnic groups in the U.S. While most gang members are boys, the National Crime Prevention Council reports that a growing number of girls are joining gangs. It is common for kids who come from broken homes or who have a lack of family or community support to join gangs. Gang members often live in areas with high levels of gang activity, few job opportunities, poor recreational activities and high levels of crime. They may have witnessed violence against another person, have a family member who is in a gang or be a victim of violent crime. Many kids who join gangs may have too much unsupervised free time and a low self-esteem, according to the Fairfax County website. By understanding why kids join gangs, you can identify the risk factors in your own home and community, and make positive changes.

    Encourage Classroom Discussions About Gang Violence

    • Because kids spend a lot of time at school, schools can serve as a resource to discourage gang participation and violence. ̶0;Campus Safety" magazine shares that gang prevention programs in schools, including elementary schools, warn kids about the dangers of gangs, discourage gang affiliations within the schools and help young people see law enforcement as a partner rather than as an enemy. Gang prevention strategies that some schools implement include conflict resolution services, mentoring and anonymous crime reporting.

    Show Love and Respect

    • When a young person joins a gang, she typically does so because she wants to feel as if she belongs to a group or familylike unit, according Dr. Finn-Aage Esbensen, professor of criminal justice at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, writing in "Preventing Adolescent Gang Involvement," a bulletin from the juvenile justice division of the U.S. Department of Justice. At home, you can help keep your kid out of a gang by showing and expressing love, support, care and respect. Make her feel like a valued member of your family and give her opportunities to make meaningful contributions. The home should be a place where your child feels safe and secure. The National Crime Prevention Council recommends setting clear boundaries and expectations, and helping your young person find positive, constructive ways to spend her free time.

    Supervision

    • Kids who join gangs are generally those who have a lot of unsupervised free time. If you are not able be at home after school or arrange for a supportive family member to supervise your child after school, the ValueOptions website suggests that you find an afterschool activity for your kid. Youth drop-in centers, recreational clubs, schools, libraries, community centers and churches often offer afterschool opportunities and prevention programs for kids and teens. These programs feature adult supervision, the development of skills and interests, homework help, a positive place to have fun and a safe place to interact with other kids in a healthy manner.

    Know the Warning Signs

    • The sooner that you recognize the warning signs of possible gang involvement in your kid, the sooner you can intervene. The Fairfax County website states that suddenly becoming friends with kids who are bad influences or withdrawing from family activities may indicate possible gang involvement. A young person may use new hand signals, a new nickname or make a change in his appearance. Additional signs may include evidence of drug or alcohol use, poor academic performance and suddenly having more money than usual.

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