Parent's Guide to Gangs

The term "gang" has been used a lot in the media these days.  The media has covered Charlotte's growing gang problem in the news and the Gaston Gazette has provided some articles regarding the growing gang problem in Gastonia and Gaston County as a whole.  While the gang problem is not as great as that of larger cities, the issue is still present and new members are being recruited every day.  Gangs are working hard to get kids that are smart, young and innocent to make the mistake of joining their organization.  Gang leaders don't want to go to jail so they recruit younger members to do their dirty work.  Younger members who are caught committing a crime do not do the time that an older member will.

When someone associates with gang members or joins a gang, their family may be adversely affected.  Just hanging around with gangs increases your child's exposure to alcohol, drugs, weapons and violence.  Gang members are after money and there is always someone higher up in the gang that wants a slice of the profits.  To make money, most gangs sell drugs; however, some are involved in prostitution and other crimes.  It is important to know that all gangs are dangerous!   

Children join gangs for a variety of reasons, which make perfect sense to the child at the time.  The following is a list of common reasons why our youth are becoming involved with gangs:

 ·         Family Issues / Lack of positive communication

·         Naiveté / Lack of realization of the hazards

·         Youth’s low self esteem

·         Inadequate adult supervision

·         Youth’s need for attention and respect / Wants to be somebody

·         Desire for friendship and a sense of belonging

·         Peer pressure

·         Fear / Need for protection

·         Excitement and sense of power

·         Media glamorizing gangster life

·         Financial benefit. 

When should you be concerned about your child's possible involvement in a gang?  When s/he:

·         Admits having friends who are gang members.

·         Is obsessed with one particular color of clothing, particularly blue or red.

·         Wears sagging pants (this in and of itself is not indicative of gang activity).

·         Wears excessive jewelry with distinctive designs and may wear it only on either the right or left side of the body (fading).

·         Withdraws from and shows disrespect toward your family.

·         Associates with new, undesirable friends.

·         Shows excessive need for secrecy and privacy.

·         Is obsessed with gang-influenced music, videos, or movies to the point of imitation.

·         Uses hand signals while with friends and practices them at home. 

When should you be concerned about your child's possible involvement in a gang?  If there is evidence or the appearance of: 

§  Physical injury (such as being beaten) and then the child lies about the events surrounding the injury.

§  Peculiar drawings or language on school books (may appear later as tattoos or brands).

§  Unexplained cash or goods, i.e. clothing or jewelry.

§  Possible use of alcohol and drugs with an attitude change

 Parents play a big role in their children's involvement in gangs.  Here are a few ideas on how to keep your child from joining a gang:

·         Let your child know that you have NO tolerance for gang behavior at home or in the community. 

·         Get your child involved in special activities, such as sports, music or art. 

·         Know what your child keeps in his/her room.  Watch for the telltale gang emblems drawn on notebooks or other personal items (e.g. t-shirts, pants, shoes, etc.).

·         Establish rules; set limits; be consistent, firm and fair.

·         Get to know your child's friends and their parents.

·         Listen to your child. Talk with your child. Show respect for your child's feelings and attitudes.

·         Do not buy or allow your child to buy gang-style clothing.

·         Educate yourself about gang and drug activity in your community.

 Know where your child is. Be aware that 3-6pm is not a safe time to leave your child unsupervised.  Get in the habit of asking questions before your child leaves home: 

·     Where are you going?

·        Who are you going with?

·        When will you be back?

·        How can I reach you in an emergency? 

·       Get your child involved in quality, out-of-school time activities.

·     Demonstrate love and acceptance at home; connect with your child and demonstrate approval and acceptance of them.

Talk to your children about his or her social life away from home.  Listen carefully when your children talk to you. Kids know more about street gangs, drugs and guns, but are often reluctant to talk about them to parents for fear of punishment.  Let your children know that it is okay to talk about issues that trouble them.  Make them understand you are there to help.  

Always remember that gang recruitment can begin at an early age.  It is never too early to inform your child about the existence and inherent evil of gangs and the danger involved with being a gang member.  Don't let the gang leaders be their first educator!