WARNING SIGNS (Gang Problem)

WARNING SIGNS (Gang Problem)

You should be concerned if your child:
Admits to gang involvement;
Is obsessed with one particular color of clothing or shows a desire for a particular logo over and over;
Wears sagging pants (this in and of itself is not indicative of gang activity);
Wears excessive jewelry with distinctive designs and may wear it only on either the right or left side of the body;
Is obsessed with gangster-influenced music, videos and movies to the point of imitation;
Withdraws from family with an accompanying change in demeanor;
Associates with undesirables and breaks parental rules consistently;
Develops an unusual desire for privacy and secrecy and may completely rearrange living quarters to create more privacy;
Uses hand signs while with friends and practices them at home;
Or there is evidence or the appearance of:
Physical injury (such as being beaten) and then child lies about the events surrounding the injury;
Peculiar drawings or language on school books (may appear later as tattoos or brands);
Unexplained cash or goods, i.e., clothing and jewelry; or &
Possible use of alcohol and drugs with attitude change.
Advise Your Children They Should Not:
Associate with gang members or "wannabe/gonnabe" gang members;
Identify or communicate with gangs;
Hang out near or where gangs congregate;
Wear gang-related clothing where gangs are known to gather or traverse;
Attend any party or social event sponsored by gangs or their associates;
Take part in any vandalism or graffiti activity.
The responses to the immediate questions below can help you tell if a kid is in a gang and what to do about it

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