Title: Gangs | Childline
Headings: Gangs
Gangs
WHat is a gang?
i'm just hanging
out with
my mates
Why do people join gangs?
Gangs and the law
Is it illegal to be in a gang?
Worried about violence and illegal things?
How do I report something?
How can I leave a gang?
How can I help someone in a gang?
Are all groups gangs?
I'm scared of gangs, what can I do?
Gangs: Carly's story
Bounce back from bullying
feeling
pressured
into having sex
Our confidentiality promise
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Content: Young people join gangs for lots of different reasons. Some of these include: fitting in with friends and other gang members
having the same interests as other people, like sports or music
feeling respected and important
to be protected from bullying or from other gangs
making money from crime or drugs
gaining status and feeling powerful. Hanging out with your friends can be a good way to get to know each other and share hobbies and interests. But it can become dangerous if you join a gang that does illegal things like theft or gun and knife crime . You don't have to join a gang if you don't feel comfortable or sure about things. Gangs and the law
Is it illegal to be in a gang? Being in a gang isn't against the law. But being involved with illegal activities (that some gangs do) could be an offence. You could go to prison or end up with a criminal record if you're involved with: