By: Camilla Souki Section 1 Ages: 18+/Parents Slide 2 Whats a
gang? A gang is any group of three or more people who form an
allegiance to the exclusion of others and engage in unlawful or
criminal behavior. Slide 3 Why do kids join gangs? Acceptance -
Many kids feel that they are not getting the attention they believe
they deserve at home. They start looking for this attention and
love in other places and often find what they are looking for in a
gang. The gang essentially becomes their family. Excitement - This
group of kids love the high of committing crimes and getting away
with it. They often do their crimes just to be chased by the
police. These individuals are adrenaline junkies and love the
thrill of criminal activity. To earn money - More and more, we are
seeing gang members turn towards using the gang to make a profit
through illegal activities. Selling narcotics, robberies,
burglaries, auto thefts, and other property crimes are common in
many gangs. Many gangs specialize in specific criminal activity.
Peer Pressure - If your kids are hanging around gangs and gang
members, you can almost guarantee that they are being pressured to
join the gang. It is important to know who your children are
associating with. Protection - In poor neighborhoods and
neighborhoods with high gang activity, kids often have to join a
gang just to survive. It is often easier to join the gang than to
be victimized on a daily basis. To Socialize - The best parties in
town are gang parties. Easy access to liquor, narcotics, and girls
are attractive to potential gang recruits. Young males who have a
hard time socializing and talking to girls find girls often with in
gangs. Slide 4 The impact of gangs: The impact of gang influence is
reflected by recent studies that show two crime trends moving in
opposite directions: adult crime is decreasing while youth violence
is increasing. The most common denominator in the commission of
violent crime by young people is gang membership. Slide 5 . In
2006-08, approximately 6-8% of girls and 11% of boys in grades 7,
9, and 11 reported that they consider themselves gang members.
Slide 6 Signs that might indicate your child has become part of a
gang: Signs that might indicate your child has become part of a
gang: Wearing of gang-style clothing. Styles change often; police
or local anti-gang organizations can help you know what is
currently in style. Gang-style doodling on homework, notebooks,
bedroom walls, or personal property. Look especially for a moniker
(a gang nickname). Significant changes in behavior and attitude,
including withdrawal, secrecy, and disrespect for authority.
Association with a new group of friends and rejection of
relationships with longtime friends and acquaintances. Use of hand
signs and monikers and a different style of language. An interest
in gangster rap or heavy metal music. Increased contact with law
enforcement officers, beginning with truancy, curfew violations,
graffiti marking or vandalism, or possession of drugs or alcohol.
Slide 7 Slide 8 Is Rap/Hip Hop stars a bad influence on children?
.... Slide 9 How to Keep Your Kids Away From Gangs Encourage your
child to think independently Take an active interest in his/her
life: Be involved! Get to know your child's friends and encourage
healthy friendships Teach your child coping strategies to deal with
hard times Support your child with words and actions to instill in
them a sense of self- esteem and personal responsibility Discourage
too much exposure to media influences that glorify drugs, sex,
gangs and violence to kids Slide 10 The end =)
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