Gangs
Gang Related Activities Affect Everyone
They cause fear, destroy property, threaten community security and drive out businesses.
The gang problem affects all races, ethnicities, socioeconomic classes and neighbourhoods, including suburbs and rural areas. Studies show that prolonged involvement in gangs can wreak havoc on a child's life and development.
Luckily, there are many ways you can prevent gang problems in your community.
What does "gang" mean?
A gang is a self-formed group of teens or adults that hang out together and are involved in delinquent, illegal or criminal activities. Though gang culture varies, most groups have a common name and symbol, and wear similar gang clothing. Youth gang members are usually teenage boys and girls, but some can be as young as nine or ten. According to Statistics Canada, teen gang members are more likely than other teens to commit serious and violent crimes.
Understand the gang allure
Gangs appeal to children who are bored and unmotivated by their current lifestyle. Gangs provide the illusion of belonging, security and friendship, especially for children who feel isolated because of their ethnic or cultural background. Many children get caught up in the excitement of gang membership even when they are forced into violent, scary circumstances. Watch out for these key triggers:
- Personal: low motivation and self-esteem, behaviour problems, poor peer relations, abuse of alcohol, illegal or prescription drugs and household intoxicants like glue or cleaning products
- Family: stressful home life, generational gang membership, ineffective parenting, substance abuse at home
- Community: lack of community support services and recreational facilities, high incidence of criminal activities, lack of youth employment opportunities
- School: low expectations from teachers, negative school environment, lack of effective disciplinary system, lack of crisis intervention programs, class absences