How to Know If Your Child is Running with a Gang

Way too many teens today are members of gangs. Parents need to be aware of changes, which may point to being a gang member, in their children. Here are a few signs your child may be in a gang.

One...if you start noticing that the child is wearing certain clothes or a certain color of clothes all of the time, this may be a sign. If they begin wearing clothes with obscenity or vulgarity on them, this could be a clue of gang involvement. Or if your child goes from a neat dresser to dressing sloppily, parents may want to ask questions.

Two...if the child begins talking slang or cursing, this may be a good sign of gang relations. If the child begins showing you or other adults disrespect or talking back to you or them, it is time to take action.

Three...if the child begins getting piercings over their body (i.e. nose, ears, eyebrows, tongues et cetera), parents may want to talk to the child about it. Another thing parents should watch for are tattoos (especially ones that may look like some sort of symbol for a gang).

Four...parents want to keep up with their child's grades and schoolwork. One sign of them being in a gang may be grades slipping or school performance lacking. Another good sign is the child skipping school all together. Intervention is a must here.

Five...when a child starts getting in trouble with the law for things such as fighting, vandalism, or other "smaller" things, parents need to check into it. These offenses could lead to harsher and bigger things (i.e. shoplifting, robbery, or even extreme violence) and are usually signs that the child is somehow involved with a gang (or at least with bad people).

Six...make sure you know what your child is doing on the internet. What they are looking up on it can be some of the best clues they are in a gang. Beware of any sites that promote violence, racism, Satanism, or gang related sites.

Seventh...be aware if your child starts sneaking out of the house late at night. Gangs run a lot at night since they think it is slightly more difficult to get caught if they do something illegal (robbery, hold ups et cetera).

Eighth...changes in mood or behavior or attitude are good signs of gang relation. If one day your child is sweet and kind to all and the next they have an attitude toward any and everyone, they may be involved in a gang. Since gangs have great influence on each of their members, they can basically change a person overnight. If your child has violent and irrational mood swings they have never had before, start asking questions. Also, if they start behaving different in any way, have a talk with them.

Ninth...prevent them joining a gang. Sit them down at an early age and tell them the consequences of joining a gang. Be upfront and frank with them. Tell them that being in a gang could lead to imprisonment, and even tell them it could lead to their death. Let them know that gangs even turn on each other and kill each other. Make sure they know that they should never trust a gang member or listen to a gang member.

If you see any of these signs in you child, get help immediately. You can call authorities and let them talk to them. You can take them to a psychiatrist. If worse comes to worse and you have the means to do it, move completely away from that city (or state). If you must, send the child to live with another relative in another state. If none of these work, seek help and advice from a professional.

In conclusion, be aware of any changes in your child. At the first sign get help. Whatever you have to do, get them out and keep them out of gangs.

Source:

Going through it personally with a family member (it is not a fun experience)