How to Address Teenage Gang Problems

Gangs can be found all over the world.

According to the FBI, more than 20,000 gangs with a combined membership of almost a million operate in the United States. Many of these gangs cross national borders and traffic in drugs, weapons and even humans. While it's commonly believed that youths join gangs out of fear, the Department of Justice finds that many teens join gangs to gain respect, attract the attention of the opposite sex or make money. Once they join, new members are kept in line through intimidation and threats.

Instructions

1. Spend time with your child and other teens. Many young people are attracted to gangs for the sense of family they may lack at home. Make your home a place where your child's friends are welcome. Get to know them; be a sympathetic ear. Talk with your child about gangs. Explain the risks of getting involved with gangs or being friends with gang members.

2. Encourage your child and his friends to get involved in respectable and enriching after-school activities. Band, football, theater and student government can provide a teen with a sense of belonging and purpose. Make sure that these activities have proper supervision. Offer support. Help to build sets, print posters or drive your teen and his friends to games.

3. Watch for signs of gang involvement. Know the gang colors in your area. Notice in your child any unexplained injuries, evidence of weapon possession or behavioral changes, like withdrawing from family activities. Be concerned if he suddenly wants to wear clothing in only one color. Race and economic background are not determinants of gang membership, so don't assume your child is immune.

4. Collaborate with law enforcement. Help identify problem areas in your community, and offer to paint over gang graffiti. See if you can get involved in gang-suppression efforts. Volunteer to work with offenders through prison rehabilitation services.

Tips & Warnings

• Work with others toward your goal of a gang-free community. Gangs cannot be stopped by the efforts of one individual.

• Gang leaders have been known to threaten or try to intimidate people. If you are threatened by anyone, report the incident to your local police and seek protection.

References

• Hope Family Services: Teens and Gangs
• Lafollette School of Public Affairs, University of Wisconsin Madison: Gangs and Youth Violence in Stevens Point; Tim Casper, Julie Lassa, Abe Rabinowitz
• FBI: Gangs

Resources

• FBI: A parents Quick Reference Card; Recognizing and Preventing Gang Involvement