Tips for Parents on Teen Gang Involvement

Parents have many fears. Every time your child leaves the house, there is a fear that the child will get into a wreck, someone will hurt them or offer them drugs. One fear that doesn't typically make the list is the fear of one's child joining a school gang or being targeted by a gang. However, with the number of school gangs on the rise, this should be at the top of the list, especially if you are the parent of a teen boy.

Teens that join gangs usually do so because they view it as a form of acceptance they aren't receiving elsewhere, such as from friends or family. If you're concerned about your teen joining a gang, the best thing you can do is to closely monitor your child and always know of his whereabouts.

This may sound excessive or one may think they need to give their teen space, but that simply isn't the case. A parent can be a parent and know what is going on in their teen's life without holding his hand. In addition to knowing your child's whereabouts, you can also encourage your child to take part in sports or other school activities. A teen that doesn't have the time to get in trouble usually won't. It also helps to meet and spend time with your child's friends.

A teen who joins a gang will exhibit changes, some more subtle than others. According to National School Safety and Security Services, the following changes are signs that your teen may be involved in a gang:

• New tattoos

• Insistence of wearing a particular color all of the time

• Uses new hand signs and handshakes

• Exhibits untypical behavior

• Unexplained money

• Stops interacting with old friends

If you suspect that your teen is involved in a gang, ask him. He may be upfront about it. If he denies it, however, and you still think he is part of a gang, then let him know that you have a zero-tolerance gang policy in your household. Do not allow your teen to have gang clothing, weapons, or drugs in your home.

Further, you and your teen can sit down with teachers and the school guidance counselor to discuss gang involvement. Make sure your teen is aware of the success he can enjoy that doesn't involve the gang world. You can also take your child to talk with someone on the Gang Task Force at your local police department, where your child can learn about the high mortality rate of gang members and incarceration rate.

Some teens are targeted by gang members for various reasons. If a gang is threatening your child - be it verbally or physically - contact the school and police department. Make sure your child understands how severe this is and how important it is to notify the authorities.

Also consider the following tips for a teen that is targeted by a gang:

• Safety in numbers - walk with other friends to classes or when on the street.

• If a gang member comes up, try to ignore him and don't provoke him.

• Do not carry a weapon for protection. This will only make matters worse.

Source:

National School Safety and Security Services