In communities with
gang issues, youth
receive many complex
messages every day in
their homes, schools, and
neighborhoods. Gangs
should be avoided, and
yet they seem to offer
power, support, prestige,
and economic incentives
to their members. Some
adults give conflicting
messages about gangs
and may even accept
money from the illicit
activities of gangs, while
expressing dismay at
youth gang involvement.
Adults often feel uncomfortable discussing
sensitive issues like gangs and violence
with young people. However, if youth are
encountering gangs in the school or community,
they need opportunities to talk candidly about
these issues with adults. The significance of
an anti-gang message increases when it comes
from a person who has a caring relationship
with the youth. Here are some factors that
adults should keep in mind when talking about
gang-related issues with youth:
- Start at the youth’s level of understanding.
What is he/she aware of? What is he/
she seeing at home, in the neighborhood,
and at school? It is important to be
sensitive to the youth’s level of awareness
in order to avoid alarming young people
who may be less aware of gang problems, or
downplaying a problem of deep concern.
- Take a strong, no-tolerance stand against gangs
and violence. Youth should not be allowed to
glorify gang activity, dress in gang-style clothing,
or use gang-related slang or insults during school
hours or during program activities.
- Talk about the negative effects of gang
membership on youth, their families, friends,
schools, and communities. These may include
the following: increased risk of injury to oneself
or family members/friends, difficulties in school,
pressure to commit criminal acts, and
consequences of committing criminal acts
(incarceration, lack of future job opportunities,
causing harm to others).
- Emphasize to youth that their choices matter
because their happiness and well-being are
important not only to themselves but to the
people who care about them. Emphasize to youth
that they are responsible for their own choices,
and make them aware of the consequences that
they may face.
- Try to incorporate discussions about positive life
choices into everyday conversations.
- Help youth to think through conflicting messages
about gangs and violence. Youth who have been
exposed to violence in movies, music, television,
and video games may have detached and
unrealistic perceptions about violence. Adults
should confront these false ideas and help
youth understand that acts of violence have
long-lasting effects on individuals, families,
and communities.
- Emphasize the youth’s good qualities. Many
youth who are already involved in gangs or
delinquency receive negative feedback every
day. Try to emphasize the youth’s special
attributes, skills, and efforts to make good
decisions. Be specific in your praise, rather
than general, and point out good choices: “It
is very impressive how you handled that conflict
so maturely. You could have become angry, but
you were able to maintain your control and
walk away.”
- Consistency is key. Youth need to hear consistent
messages about gangs delivered by the adults
they know well: parents, teachers, coaches,
neighbors, and religious leaders.
- Remain accessible and involved with youth. Longterm,
caring relationships with adults provide
youth with an incentive and a support network to
stay out of gangs.
Reprinted from the National Gang Center Newsletter - Spring 2013, Vol 2
The National Gang Center (NGC) is jointly funded by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and
Delinquency Prevention and the Bureau of Justice Assistance. NGC conducts research on street gangs and serves as a
clearinghouse for individuals and agencies seeking information, technical assistance, and training in the areas of gang prevention,
intervention, suppression, and reentry.
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