Children and young people may join a gang or even start up their own, looking for friends who will protect them. They may even think it will provide easy access to money and a glamorous lifestyle. The truth is very different.
About gangs
Gangs and the law
Risks of gang membership
Spot the signs
My child is definitely involved in gang activity, what should i do?
Further support
About gangs
A gang is a group of three or more people who may be involved in crime, drugs or violence. Many children and young people think they are in a gang, but this will often just be a group of friends.
The word ‘gang’ was historically defined as a group of men that worked together, but nowadays the term is generally used to describe groups of youths on the street who may be involved in vandalism, organised crime, dealing drugs or other illegal activities.
Street gangs that are organised usually have a clear leader or hierarchy running the group, and the members meet either to socialise or to engage in certain activities together. Gang members will often have something in common, be it their ethnicity, religion, culture, or class.
A gang may choose to have a unique identity to distinguish themselves from the crowd. Some examples of this are:
- dress code – style, colour
- tattoos
- jewellery
- graffiti tagging
- nicknames
- language
- handshake
- marking territory
They may not in fact call themselves a gang: currently other names are favoured, such as
- posse
- crew or krew
- my boys or my girlz
- clan or klan
- hommies
- bro’s
- breadrin’s
- coz’s
- buddies
Gangs and the law
There are no laws banning gangs or gang membership. But there are laws that clearly prohibit the criminal activities often associated with street gangs, and if an offender is involved or part of a gang, this could lead to a longer jail sentence.
Illegal activities include:
- carrying or having drugs such as cannibis, cocaine and ecstasy
- keeping or carrying a gun without a licence, which includes replica or imitation fire arms
- carrying or using a knife, even with no intention of using it.
Risks of gang membership
Being part of a gang will put children more at risk of:
- being involved in or committing a crime
- dealing or taking drugs
- being involved in other illegal activities such as fighting, dog fighting, or gambling
- being put in prison or in a young offenders institution.
They will also be more at risk of becoming a victim of violence, which may lead to serious injury or even death.
Spot the signs
Look out for unusual behaviours in your child, such as:
- stopping or dropping out of hobbies or clubs they’re involved in
- school reports dramatically change
- not doing as they told, for example staying out later than scheduled
- not telling you where they are going, who they are with and what they are doing
- sudden extra money, new gadgets, clothes or trainers and other unexplained amenities
- new habits, for example smoking, drinking , dealing or taking drugs, taken an interest in illegal activities
- adopting a change of name, or new nickname.
My child is definitely involved in gang activity, what should I do?
Your child or teenager may be scared or unhappy to discuss their activities. It is vital that they know you’re available to listen and to support them.
Here are are some key pointers on how to approach them:
- keep calm, don't loose your temper
- listen
- try and understand their situation
- ask if you can help them in any way
- come to a conclusion about what happens next
- involve other parents (if you feel it is helpful or necessary)
- and, if further help is required, do seek further support.
Further support
Contact the Safe Network
Family Lives - 0808 800 2222
Victim Support 020 7820 0007
Childline 0800 1111
NSPCC helpline 0808 800 5000