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: This can be very scary for other people, especially if they think the gang will use them. If you're feeling pressured to be in a gang: remember no one has the right to pressure you
spend more time with friends who aren't involved in the gang, or places where you know they won't be
you can talk to a trusted adult or to our counsellors if you're being forced into a gang. i'm just hanging
out with
my mates
Need to talk it through? Check out our message boards
Why do people join gangs? 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 .