GANG AWARENESS FOR PARENTS
The presence of gang activity in the vicinity of schools poses a risk to staff and student safety and school security. Intimidation of staff and students by gang members has a large impact on the educational environment and perception of school safety.
The School Crime Supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey asked students ages 12–18 if gangs were present at their school during the school year.
In 2009, about 20 percent of students ages 12–18 reported that gangs were present at their school during the school year. This was a decrease from the 23 percent of students who reported a gang presence in 2007.
SOURCE: National Center for Educational Statistics / Indicators for School Crime and Safety 2011
The School Crime Supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey asked students ages 12–18 if gangs were present at their school during the school year.
In 2009, about 20 percent of students ages 12–18 reported that gangs were present at their school during the school year. This was a decrease from the 23 percent of students who reported a gang presence in 2007.
SOURCE: National Center for Educational Statistics / Indicators for School Crime and Safety 2011
Age of Gang Members
Approximately 360,000 teenage boys belong to gangs, as do 32,000 teenage girls, according to statistics compiled by the web- site helpinggangyouth.com.
The National Youth Violence Prevention Center says that one- fourth of gang members are ages 15-17. The average age of all gang members is 17-18.
According to the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, 8 percent of youth between the ages of 12 and 17 have belonged to a gang or are a member of a gang. In some cities, that figure is far higher.
Youth who join gangs typically start associating with a gang at age 12 or 13, and join the gang at age 13 to 15, according to research cited in the December 2010 Juvenile Justice Bulletin.
A survey of nearly 6,000 eighth graders in 11 cities with known gang problems found that 9 percent of the eighth graders were currently gang members. Seventeen percent reported that they had belonged to a gang.
SOURCE: National Crime Prevention Council 2012-2013
Approximately 360,000 teenage boys belong to gangs, as do 32,000 teenage girls, according to statistics compiled by the web- site helpinggangyouth.com.
The National Youth Violence Prevention Center says that one- fourth of gang members are ages 15-17. The average age of all gang members is 17-18.
According to the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, 8 percent of youth between the ages of 12 and 17 have belonged to a gang or are a member of a gang. In some cities, that figure is far higher.
Youth who join gangs typically start associating with a gang at age 12 or 13, and join the gang at age 13 to 15, according to research cited in the December 2010 Juvenile Justice Bulletin.
A survey of nearly 6,000 eighth graders in 11 cities with known gang problems found that 9 percent of the eighth graders were currently gang members. Seventeen percent reported that they had belonged to a gang.
SOURCE: National Crime Prevention Council 2012-2013
Early Indicators of Gang Membership
Kids in trouble can call out for help in many ways. Some of these pleas for help, if not recognized or acted on in a timely manner, can lead them into the gang lifestyle. Keep in mind that one or more signs do not necessarily mean that your child is in a gang. It may just mean that your child needs some help to keep problems from increasing. A young person’s plea for help may come in the form of running away, drug use, skipping school, bullying or promiscuous behavior. A crisis doesn’t just happen overnight, it usually develops gradually. Recognizing the warning signs may prevent a crisis and gang involvement.
Kids in trouble can call out for help in many ways. Some of these pleas for help, if not recognized or acted on in a timely manner, can lead them into the gang lifestyle. Keep in mind that one or more signs do not necessarily mean that your child is in a gang. It may just mean that your child needs some help to keep problems from increasing. A young person’s plea for help may come in the form of running away, drug use, skipping school, bullying or promiscuous behavior. A crisis doesn’t just happen overnight, it usually develops gradually. Recognizing the warning signs may prevent a crisis and gang involvement.
- Admits to being in a gang
- Find a picture of your child with other gang members
- Being withdrawn from family and known friends
- Staying out late without reason with friends you can’t meet
- Poor school progress and achievement
- Truancy
- Sudden change in or addition of a nickname or moniker
- Sudden unusual desire for secrecy
- Sudden change in lack of interest in community activities
- Fear of going to school
- Drug and alcohol use
- Lack of hobbies, constructive activities
- Frequent negative contact with police
- Shows evidence of unexplained physical injuries
- Sudden change in personality/behavior
- Problems at home
- Draws gang signs/graffiti on books, clothes, etc
- Sudden speaking in gang type language or lingo
- Has unexplained cash, clothing, jewelry, etc.
- Use of hand signs other than sign language
- Tattoos or branding on the body
- Shows an unusual interest in one or two particular colors of clothing or logo - Dresses in gang-type attire
- Has an unusual interest in gang influenced music, videos, or websites
- Carries a weapon
Most Common Reasons Why to Join a Gang?
Identity or Recognition
Being part of a gang allows the person to achieve a level of status he/she feels impossible outside the gang lifestyle.
Sense of Belonging
Gang Activity may offer a feeling of being part of a family that is missing in the child’s home. The child becomes loyal to the gang’s value, rather than those of the home.
Protection
Many members may join because they live in a gang-ridden area and are subject to violence by rival gangs. This is also a major factor in ones gang involvement while incarcerated.
Intimidation
Some members are forced into joining by their peer group and/or fear of retaliation within a correctional setting.
Excitement
Gang activity may seem attractive to kids who are bored, lack interests and direction, or do not feel good about themselves. The media has glamorized gangs in music, movies, video games and now social media. This adds to the excitement associated with them.
Financial Benefit
Kids see being in a gang as an easy way to gain money and new possessions.
Lack of Positive Alternatives
Today, more so than ever, kids have access to fewer alternatives to the streets and a home where both parents are working two jobs like after school programs, sports, and recreation centers. Budget cuts at the local level have all but eliminated these alternatives leaving our kids to fend for themselves and keep themselves busy and away from the negative influences of the streets.
Lack of Knowledge
Kids, especially young ones, do not realize the true dangers of being in a gang.
Identity or Recognition
Being part of a gang allows the person to achieve a level of status he/she feels impossible outside the gang lifestyle.
Sense of Belonging
Gang Activity may offer a feeling of being part of a family that is missing in the child’s home. The child becomes loyal to the gang’s value, rather than those of the home.
Protection
Many members may join because they live in a gang-ridden area and are subject to violence by rival gangs. This is also a major factor in ones gang involvement while incarcerated.
Intimidation
Some members are forced into joining by their peer group and/or fear of retaliation within a correctional setting.
Excitement
Gang activity may seem attractive to kids who are bored, lack interests and direction, or do not feel good about themselves. The media has glamorized gangs in music, movies, video games and now social media. This adds to the excitement associated with them.
Financial Benefit
Kids see being in a gang as an easy way to gain money and new possessions.
Lack of Positive Alternatives
Today, more so than ever, kids have access to fewer alternatives to the streets and a home where both parents are working two jobs like after school programs, sports, and recreation centers. Budget cuts at the local level have all but eliminated these alternatives leaving our kids to fend for themselves and keep themselves busy and away from the negative influences of the streets.
Lack of Knowledge
Kids, especially young ones, do not realize the true dangers of being in a gang.
Levels of Involvement
It is important to be able to determine the extent to which an individual is or is not involved in a gang. The below schedule can be used as a general level of classifying ones involvement and may vary from gang to gang.
Level 1 – Fantasy
Level 2 – At Risk
Level 3 – Associate
Level 4 – Gang Member
Level 5 – Hard Core Gang Member
Level 6 – Leader
It is important to be able to determine the extent to which an individual is or is not involved in a gang. The below schedule can be used as a general level of classifying ones involvement and may vary from gang to gang.
Level 1 – Fantasy
- Knows about gangs primarily from newspapers, newscasts and the movies
- May or may not know about “real” gangs
- May or may not know one or more gang members but does not associate
- May or may not like, respect or admire a gang, gang member or gang lifestyle
Level 2 – At Risk
- Knows about gangs and gang members, first hand
- Casually and occasionally associates with gang members
- Lives in or near gang areas
- May like or admire gangs or gang members as individuals
- May like and/or admire the gang lifestyle but not participate fully
Level 3 – Associate
- Knows and likes gang members, first hand
- Regularly associates with gang members
- Considers gangs and related activities as normal, acceptable and admirable
- Finds many things in common with gang members
- Is seriously thinking about joining a gang
Level 4 – Gang Member
- Is officially a gang member
- Associates almost exclusively with gang members to the exclusion of family and former friends
- Participates in gang crimes and most other related activities
- Will commit any act with the approval of a demand from the gang
- Does not accept any authority other than the gang
Level 5 – Hard Core Gang Member
- Totally committed to the gang and gang lifestyle
- Totally rejects anyone or any value system, other than the gang
- Is considered hard core by self, other gang members and authorities
- Will commit any act with the approval of a demand from the gang
- Does not accept any authority other than the gang
Level 6 – Leader
- Totally committed to the gang and gang lifestyle
- Totally rejects anyone or any value system, other than the gang
- Is considered hard core by self, other gang members and authorities
- Will commit any act with the approval of a demand from the gang
- Does not accept any authority other than the gang
- Is usually the oldest and establishes the rules / calls the shots / gives the orders
Gang Initiations
When you decide to join a gang, you have to be initiated into it. Initiations always involve some sort of physical and emotional abuse or risk for involvement with the police.
Beat - Clicked - Jumped In - An initiation where you have to fight multiple members of the gang all at once. The fights can last anywhere from seconds to several minutes and they are violent, physical beatings.
Sexed In - Some gangs initiate females by having them have sex with all the ranking members of the gang, or the members who are at the initiation.
Commit a Crime - Gangs may expect you to commit a crime to get into the gang. You could be hurt, or you may have to hurt someone else. You could also be caught, arrested, and jailed.
When you decide to join a gang, you have to be initiated into it. Initiations always involve some sort of physical and emotional abuse or risk for involvement with the police.
Beat - Clicked - Jumped In - An initiation where you have to fight multiple members of the gang all at once. The fights can last anywhere from seconds to several minutes and they are violent, physical beatings.
Sexed In - Some gangs initiate females by having them have sex with all the ranking members of the gang, or the members who are at the initiation.
Commit a Crime - Gangs may expect you to commit a crime to get into the gang. You could be hurt, or you may have to hurt someone else. You could also be caught, arrested, and jailed.
Gang Identifiers
A gang member uses graffiti, hand signs, tattoos, and color to signify their membership in a gang and to communicate their gang affiliation to others. Each gang has its own unique symbol, sign, color, jewelry, and dress. These serve not only to identify gang members, but also to promote gang solidarity.
Colors
Matching colors such as shoes, shirts, caps, and bandanas are common group identifiers. Colors are of paramount importance to the gang. They serve not only to identify gang members, but also to promote gang solidarity. Degrading one’s colors or symbols is the ultimate humiliation and disrespect and can result in a violent retaliation up and to include murder.
Hand Signs
The use of hand signs is a multi-purpose means of communication. It a means to communicate ones gang affiliation to both rival and allied gang members. They can be used to challenge and/or put down a rival gang member or identify yourself or someone else’s gang affiliation for ally confirmation. They can also be used to provide silent/covert orders and/or instruction from leaders to members.
Tattoos and Brands
The gang tattoo and/or brand can be used to identify the gang member’s affiliation to a specific gang and/or traditional alliance (i.e., Folk or People Nations) as well as their moniker or nickname. A gang tattoo may appear on any place of the member’s body such as the arm, neck, chest, back, hands and legs but have been known to tattoo in more covert locations such as inside the lips, behind the ear, inside the finger or toes, on their bald head and then grow their hair back as well as in more private areas of the body we will leave to ones imagination.
Graffiti
Graffiti is known as the newspaper of the streets. To most members of society, graffiti is just vandalism and childish pranks that means nothing more than that. However, to a gang member and trained professionals, it is clear what can be obtained from these messages and symbols. Gang graffiti can:
One of the first indicators of a gang presence within your community and/or correctional facility is gang graffiti.
A gang member uses graffiti, hand signs, tattoos, and color to signify their membership in a gang and to communicate their gang affiliation to others. Each gang has its own unique symbol, sign, color, jewelry, and dress. These serve not only to identify gang members, but also to promote gang solidarity.
Colors
Matching colors such as shoes, shirts, caps, and bandanas are common group identifiers. Colors are of paramount importance to the gang. They serve not only to identify gang members, but also to promote gang solidarity. Degrading one’s colors or symbols is the ultimate humiliation and disrespect and can result in a violent retaliation up and to include murder.
Hand Signs
The use of hand signs is a multi-purpose means of communication. It a means to communicate ones gang affiliation to both rival and allied gang members. They can be used to challenge and/or put down a rival gang member or identify yourself or someone else’s gang affiliation for ally confirmation. They can also be used to provide silent/covert orders and/or instruction from leaders to members.
Tattoos and Brands
The gang tattoo and/or brand can be used to identify the gang member’s affiliation to a specific gang and/or traditional alliance (i.e., Folk or People Nations) as well as their moniker or nickname. A gang tattoo may appear on any place of the member’s body such as the arm, neck, chest, back, hands and legs but have been known to tattoo in more covert locations such as inside the lips, behind the ear, inside the finger or toes, on their bald head and then grow their hair back as well as in more private areas of the body we will leave to ones imagination.
Graffiti
Graffiti is known as the newspaper of the streets. To most members of society, graffiti is just vandalism and childish pranks that means nothing more than that. However, to a gang member and trained professionals, it is clear what can be obtained from these messages and symbols. Gang graffiti can:
- Identify the gang, its members and territory
- Can issue warnings and challenges to rival gangs
- It glorifies the gang and makes their existence well known
One of the first indicators of a gang presence within your community and/or correctional facility is gang graffiti.
Common Myths About Gangs: Get the Truth
My gang will protect me, and I will feel safe.
Wrong! While you may believe that joining a gang will protect you from bullies or other gang members, being in a gang greatly increases your chances to be a target for rival gang members. You are far more likely to be injured or killed if you are in a gang. Many former gang members report that they had to change their lives dramatically as a gang member. They could no longer wear clothing they used to wear. They got into fights while attending school with rival gang members, and ended up dropping out of school. They felt unsafe going out of their neighborhoods, and they couldn’t ever be sure where they might be confronted by rivals. Even if they got out of gangs, their rivals didn’t forget them. They still had many enemies who might hurt or kills them.
Other people will respect me more if I am in a gang.
Wrong! Respect in many gangs really means fear. If you join a gang, you will constantly have to commit crimes in order to keep other gang members afraid of you. At any age, respect is something you can earn by getting as education and accomplishing goals in your life. Respect in the gang culture will go away the first time you fail to hurt someone who insults you or puts you down. That of kind of respect isn’t real, and it doesn’t last.
Joining a gang means I’ll have lots of friends.
You will have friends, but you will also make lots of enemies – the members of the rival gangs. Also, your friends who haven’t joined the gang may stop wanting to be around you. Your gang may not approve if you have friends or date people outside of the gang. They may question and test your loyalty, and insist that you hang out only with them.
My gang will be just like my family.
Wrong! Real families don’t force people to commit crimes to get respect and love. Real families accept you and love you for who and what you are. Even if your family is having problems, being in a gang will not solve them – it will only make things worse. If you join a gang, your family members may become targets for rival gangs. Joining a gang will only increase the number of fights you have with your parents. You will eventually get into trouble with the law, and your parents and family members will be hurt and disappointed. You will set a bad example for your brothers and sisters. You will not find the kind of love you’re looking for from a gang.
I’ll make lots of money, if I am in a gang.
Most gang members make very little money being part of a gang. Gangs do not pay you; in fact, many gangs make you pay member dues for being a gang member. Those who do make money, end up doing time in jail or prison because the money made was done so through the crimes committed. Plus, if you’re in a gang, it’s far more likely that you’ll drop out of school because of problems with rival gang members. Getting your education is the key to making money – not joining a gang.
I can never get out of my gang.
Wrong! Gang members decide to leave the gang lifestyle every day in cities around the United States. It is a myth that the only way to leave a gang is by dying. Most gang members who leave are able to live normal lives, go to school and get a job just like everyone else. However, in some cases, getting out of a gang isn’t easy, and you and your family may have to leave your home, school or community in order to be safe. It is easier to get into a gang than to get out of one, but you can choose to leave the gang life today. The choice is yours. There are more examples of people who have successfully walked away from gangs than those who were killed for trying. The best option of all, however, is to stay out of gangs in the first place.
My gang will protect me, and I will feel safe.
Wrong! While you may believe that joining a gang will protect you from bullies or other gang members, being in a gang greatly increases your chances to be a target for rival gang members. You are far more likely to be injured or killed if you are in a gang. Many former gang members report that they had to change their lives dramatically as a gang member. They could no longer wear clothing they used to wear. They got into fights while attending school with rival gang members, and ended up dropping out of school. They felt unsafe going out of their neighborhoods, and they couldn’t ever be sure where they might be confronted by rivals. Even if they got out of gangs, their rivals didn’t forget them. They still had many enemies who might hurt or kills them.
Other people will respect me more if I am in a gang.
Wrong! Respect in many gangs really means fear. If you join a gang, you will constantly have to commit crimes in order to keep other gang members afraid of you. At any age, respect is something you can earn by getting as education and accomplishing goals in your life. Respect in the gang culture will go away the first time you fail to hurt someone who insults you or puts you down. That of kind of respect isn’t real, and it doesn’t last.
Joining a gang means I’ll have lots of friends.
You will have friends, but you will also make lots of enemies – the members of the rival gangs. Also, your friends who haven’t joined the gang may stop wanting to be around you. Your gang may not approve if you have friends or date people outside of the gang. They may question and test your loyalty, and insist that you hang out only with them.
My gang will be just like my family.
Wrong! Real families don’t force people to commit crimes to get respect and love. Real families accept you and love you for who and what you are. Even if your family is having problems, being in a gang will not solve them – it will only make things worse. If you join a gang, your family members may become targets for rival gangs. Joining a gang will only increase the number of fights you have with your parents. You will eventually get into trouble with the law, and your parents and family members will be hurt and disappointed. You will set a bad example for your brothers and sisters. You will not find the kind of love you’re looking for from a gang.
I’ll make lots of money, if I am in a gang.
Most gang members make very little money being part of a gang. Gangs do not pay you; in fact, many gangs make you pay member dues for being a gang member. Those who do make money, end up doing time in jail or prison because the money made was done so through the crimes committed. Plus, if you’re in a gang, it’s far more likely that you’ll drop out of school because of problems with rival gang members. Getting your education is the key to making money – not joining a gang.
I can never get out of my gang.
Wrong! Gang members decide to leave the gang lifestyle every day in cities around the United States. It is a myth that the only way to leave a gang is by dying. Most gang members who leave are able to live normal lives, go to school and get a job just like everyone else. However, in some cases, getting out of a gang isn’t easy, and you and your family may have to leave your home, school or community in order to be safe. It is easier to get into a gang than to get out of one, but you can choose to leave the gang life today. The choice is yours. There are more examples of people who have successfully walked away from gangs than those who were killed for trying. The best option of all, however, is to stay out of gangs in the first place.
Recognizing Gang Influences
Where did my kid learn about this stuff? Gang knowledge is learned from a variety of sources but here are the most common today.
Actual Gang Member
While being recruited into a gang, the prospect may be introduced to the gang’s traditions, symbols, hand signs, etc. The most unfortunate influence we are seeing more of today is the family generational influence – today we have kids, fathers and grand-fathers all affiliated with street gangs.
Television
Prime time TV shows gang activity on a regular basis. Nightly news reports gang-related crimes and gang members in their gang attire – initial introduction can be intriguing
Movies
Movies such as Menace to Society, Boyz in the Hood, Colors, Clockers, Gangster Paradise, Blood In Blood Out and Sugar Hill are just a few movies that glamorize the gang lifestyle, its graffiti, traditions and behavior.
Music
Gangster Rap music promotes the degradation of women, the glorification of violence, gangster life and the total disregard or authority and human life.
Video Games
Today’s video games are as realistic looking as they can get – some videos have to double looked to make sure they are not real. Some video games today incorporate a level of violence in the virtual world that would land one in prison for life if done in the real world. The player can commit crimes of prostitution and weapons up and to include murder. Some video games promotes the degradation of women, the glorification of violence, and the gangster life with a total disregard or authority and human life. This virtual world can become so “real” to a hard core player that research has shown an increase in the lack of ability to separate the real world from the virtual world – leading to the acting out of these behaviors in both worlds.
Literature
Current trends in Gangster Rap music and the gang sub-culture can be seen in mainstream magazines everywhere. Both parents and teachers are encouraged to monitor and examine the literature their children/student reads in an effort to identify and be cognizant of the content they consume.
Internet
Gangs often post their own websites and communicate, via the internet. Gang knowledge is often copied and converted by local non-traditional gangs that are forming and wanting to emulate the more experienced and feared gangs. Parents and teachers are encouraged to monitor Internet access at home and at school to include the parents monitoring their social media.
Where did my kid learn about this stuff? Gang knowledge is learned from a variety of sources but here are the most common today.
Actual Gang Member
While being recruited into a gang, the prospect may be introduced to the gang’s traditions, symbols, hand signs, etc. The most unfortunate influence we are seeing more of today is the family generational influence – today we have kids, fathers and grand-fathers all affiliated with street gangs.
Television
Prime time TV shows gang activity on a regular basis. Nightly news reports gang-related crimes and gang members in their gang attire – initial introduction can be intriguing
Movies
Movies such as Menace to Society, Boyz in the Hood, Colors, Clockers, Gangster Paradise, Blood In Blood Out and Sugar Hill are just a few movies that glamorize the gang lifestyle, its graffiti, traditions and behavior.
Music
Gangster Rap music promotes the degradation of women, the glorification of violence, gangster life and the total disregard or authority and human life.
Video Games
Today’s video games are as realistic looking as they can get – some videos have to double looked to make sure they are not real. Some video games today incorporate a level of violence in the virtual world that would land one in prison for life if done in the real world. The player can commit crimes of prostitution and weapons up and to include murder. Some video games promotes the degradation of women, the glorification of violence, and the gangster life with a total disregard or authority and human life. This virtual world can become so “real” to a hard core player that research has shown an increase in the lack of ability to separate the real world from the virtual world – leading to the acting out of these behaviors in both worlds.
Literature
Current trends in Gangster Rap music and the gang sub-culture can be seen in mainstream magazines everywhere. Both parents and teachers are encouraged to monitor and examine the literature their children/student reads in an effort to identify and be cognizant of the content they consume.
Internet
Gangs often post their own websites and communicate, via the internet. Gang knowledge is often copied and converted by local non-traditional gangs that are forming and wanting to emulate the more experienced and feared gangs. Parents and teachers are encouraged to monitor Internet access at home and at school to include the parents monitoring their social media.
