| Parenting Resources - Teen Violence: Gangs |
Teens and Gangs
By Hana C
If you're taking your teenagers involvement in a gang lightly, you better think again. Being in a gang isn't a phase your teen is going through; nor is it a normal part of teenage years. It is a potentially dangerous situation that needs your intervention!
Serious and violent crimes are much more likely to be committed by teens who are involved in a gang than by teens who are not. A recent study in Denver found that almost 90% of violent crimes were committed by gang members, even though only 14% of the teenagers in the city were gang members.
Not only are teen gang members more apt to commit violent crimes, but they are also at least 60 times more likely to be killed than the general population. If your teenager is involved in a gang, take action NOW!
How Do You Know?
Gangs aren't just an inner-city problem anymore. There are known gangs in small towns and rural areas in all 50 states. While boys are more likely than girls to get involved in a gang, the percentage of female gang members is growing. The average age of gang members is 17 to 18, but there are some as young as 12! If you notice a change in your teen's behavior, dress and group of friends, do some investigative work!
Gangs tend to identify themselves by wearing the same type of clothing, colors and/or symbols. If you see your teenager with a group of friends that are all similarly attired, chances are that he or she has gotten involved in a gang. Another sign of trouble is if your son or daughter starts avoiding all of the friends that they used to spend all of their time with.
What Can You Do?
Information and resources are available to you through the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention's National Youth Network web site (www.nationalyouth.com).
By developing positive activities for your teenager and encouraging his or her activity in a school or church group, such as the theater group, a sports team or other organized activity, you can curtail your child's need to belong to a gang.
Most teens are looking for a way to belong and join gangs because they are bored and lacking in purpose in their lives. Others are seeking excitement or are looking for prestige or protection, while some are actually looking for a chance to make money. As a parent, you need to be proactive in curtailing your teenager?s desire to become a part of what could ultimately destroy their life!