How to Prevent Teen Gang Violence

Get involved in your child̵7;s school. Volunteer at school events and get to know your child̵7;s teachers. Ask how your child is doing in school and gently take an interest in your child̵7;s work and extracurricular activities.

Look for warning signs that may signal gang involvement. Ask yourself if you have noticed a recent change in your child̵7;s behavior over the past few months which may include an excessive need for privacy, use of hand signals with his or her friends, cuts, wounds or scars that he says he received from his friends, or expensive clothes or jewelry that you did not purchase and you can̵7;t explain how he saved the money to purchase. Look for any patterns like your child choosing to wear only one color of clothing, an increased level of disrespectful behavior toward you and other adults, odd drawings or symbols on his books, knives, guns or other weapons in his room, and friends who you know to be in gangs. Talk with your child about what you notice in a calm and respectful manner. Communicate your concern for his safety and well-being.

Get to know your child̵7;s friends. Encourage your child to bring his friends over to your house for sleepovers, pizza nights and offer to drive everyone to fun activities like local sports games or outdoor activities like hiking, fishing or camping. This will help your child form new friendships with people his age who aren't involved in gangs.

Facilitate the formation of positive relationships with other adult role models. Ask an aunt, uncle or grandparent to spend time with your child. If you can, send your child away for a summer to spend time with a relative that lives in another city or state to remove him from daily involvement with the gang and prevent him from making choices that put him in the middle of gang violence.

Keep tabs on your child. Know where he is. Consider giving him a cell phone with limited calling abilities, such as a phone that can only make calls to your family members and 911 and ask your child to stay in touch. Be aware of where your child is from 3 to 6 p.m., and plan monitored after-school activities for your child, since according to the national leader in the care and treatment of children (particularly at-risk youth) Boys Town, that time of day is particularly risky when it comes to children getting involved with gangs and being harmed by gang violence.

Set consistent standards and enforce them with your child. Maintain a routine and establish rules for your child. Inform your child of the consequences of breaking those rules and follow through. While it may seem harsh, consistent, loving discipline communicates care, concern and love to your child. Model respect and love for your child and the other members of the family in your home.

Ask for help. Don̵7;t try to fight gang violence on your own. Reach out to your local police department which may have a gang violence prevention unit and to Boys Town through their website or toll-free national hot line, 800-448-3000 and ask to be connected with a professional in your area who can help with your child.