Help your Child to Stay Away from Gang Related Activity

What gang related behavior looks like

 Joining gangs is one social evil that victimize teens. The danger here is that gang behavior is hard to get out of the system. It can last as long as any drug addiction and ruins lives much in the same way.

 The term ‘gang’ has come to associate itself with groups that engage in misdemeanors, notably violent and criminal behavior. Some teens consider it ‘cool’ to be part of a gang. Others join gangs to be part of something bigger than them. Gang members are usually teens who are either misguided and misinformed or bitter and discontent with their lives. Parents need to realize this if they are to help their teens to stay away from gangs. 

 Gang related behavior has become so bad now that most of the inner city violence has been attributed to ‘gang wars’- when gangs fight to protect their ‘territory’ or ‘power’. It had resulted in many shooting incidents and the loss of many young lives (including those not part of gangs).

                                                                                   
Warning signs
 Parents are scared that their children may be involved with or influenced by gangs. But they aren’t always quick at picking up on signals which point that way:

 Change – this can come in different forms. If your teen changes his appearance/friends/food habits/general behavior, sit up and take note. Gang members tend to synchronize their outfits and give priority to certain colors or symbols. If your teen insists on getting a strange symbol tattooed to his body, you need to pay attention. Kids that become part of gangs also quickly lose interest in the family.

 Money- Typically, gang members will find illicit ways of funding themselves so a loaded teen spells trouble. On the other hand, sometimes gang involvement means having to donate money to a gang-related cause so if your kid keeps asking for money, ask what it’s for and don’t take ‘stuff’ for an answer.
 Possession of weapons/drugs – Don’t let your teen hide behind closed doors. Check his room  regularly, even if it means taking some heat for invading privacy. Studies show that teens using drugs like marijuana have a penchant for gangs and destructive behavior. 

 Violent behavior – If your kid gets picked up by the police for vandalism or other offense, ask yourself whether it’s a sign of something sinister. Using harsh/rude language is a warning sign too.

How to help

•  Parents need to establish clear cut/practical rules (i.e. say NO to drugs) and stick to them
•  Monitor your kids, when they are out and when they are home. Trace their online activities (on social networking sites in particular)
•  Talk to your kids regularly. Be sincere about problems teens face (i.e. peer pressure) and make them aware of risks related to gang behavior.
•  Instill good values in your kids. Show them, by example, how to care for others. Kids who don’t have a moral compass will turn to gangs.
•  Encourage teens to become motivated and to pursue their goals. Summer school/fun outings can make them less bored and less prone to gang related behavior.
•  Make time for your kids. Show that you love and support them at every opportunity. Stay involved in their lives.
•  Cheer your kids on when it comes to education. Teens that do well in school are less likely to spoil their chances by meaningless activities.