Title: Gangs and Children
Headings: Gangs and Children
Gangs and Children
If you need immediate assistance, please dial 911.

Content: Consequences of gang membership may include exposure to drugs and alcohol, age-inappropriate sexual behavior, difficulty finding a job because of lack of education and work skills, removal from ones family, imprisonment and even death. Risk factors that can contribute to the risk that children and adolescents join a gang include: Growing up in an area with heavy gang activity. A history of gang involvement in the family (family members who are current or former gang members). A history of violence in the home. Too little adult supervision. Unstructured free time, particularly during after-school hours and on the weekends. A lack of positive roles models and exposure to media (television, movies, music) that glorifies gang violence. Low self esteem. Sense of hopelessness about the future because of limited educational or financial opportunity.