Gangs

Criminal street gangs are a serious problem nationwide. Gangs recruit new, very young members every day; many of those new members will become career criminals.

Here are some parenting tips to help your teen stay out of a gang:

• Get him or her involved in activities such as sports or music lessons
• Get involved in his or her school
• Establish rules; set limits, and be consistent, firm and fair
• Get to know his or her friends, as well as the friends' parents
• Show respect for his or her feelings and attitudes
• Develop good communication
• Spend time as a family
• Be a good role model
• Educate yourself about gang and drug activity in your community
• Know where your child is-be aware that 3 to 6 pm is an especially risky time

What are the signs that your child is involved with a gang? You need to pay attention to his or her friends and habits. Has there been a change lately? Here are some things to look for:

• Excessive need for privacy and secrecy
• Use of hand signs with friends
• Injuries from his "friends"
• Peculiar drawings or language on school books
• Unexplained cash or expensive clothing or jewelry
• Gang-member friends
• Obsession with a particular color of clothing
• Withdrawal from family
• New, undesirable friends-and loss of old friends
• Disrespect for you and your expectations

It is extremely difficult for a gang member to get out once he or she has been initiated.

If your child is already in a gang, don't try to handle the situation on your own.

You need to draw on all the resources possible to ensure your child's success. Find out about anti-gang organizations in the community. Contact local law enforcement and the school administrators and counselors.