Help Keep Teens Away From Gangs & Drugs
Youth gangs are no longer just a big city problem or populated by males only; a growing number of young females are joining existing gangs or forming all-girl gangs. About one-third of public high school (37%) and middle school principals (31%) report gang activity in their schools.º By age 17, one in twelve teens (8%) report ever belonging to a gang.¹ Teens join or are drawn into gangs for a variety of reasons, including a need for acceptance, protection, or excitement.
Where there are gangs, there is often drug use. The 2005 National Gang Threat Assessment estimates that 60 percent of gangs are involved in drug distribution at the street level.² The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention found that youth who are involved in youth gangs commit three to seven times as many delinquent and criminal offenses as youth who are not involved with gangs.³
Below are some tips to protect your teen from gang involvement.
Tips for Reducing Teen Gang Involvement
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Talk to your teen about the dangers of gangs and drugs.
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Monitor your teen's activities.
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Identify risk factors of gang involvement for your teen.
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Recognize warning signs indicating your teen may already be involved with a gang.
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If you suspect that your teen is involved with a gang - ACT QUICKLY.
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YOU MATTER.
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