Family, community can help keep kids safe from gangs

In this article, you’ll find answers to questions like:

1. How should I talk with my child?
2. What are warning signs?
3. How to find social activities?

Protecting your child from violence and the lure of the gang lifestyle isn’t always easy, experts say. But the key – above all – is keeping your child connected to family and community.

“To keep kids safe … parents must communicate with their children,” says Tammy Fields, director of Palm Beach County Youth Services Department. “Children often turn to gangs when they do not feel connected within their own family. Gangs bring them a sense of connection.”

1. HOW SHOULD I TALK WITH MY CHILD?

Lt. Terrence Carn of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office agrees communication is important.

“Talk directly with your kids about safety and discuss how to handle peer pressure,” he says. “Emphasize the importance of reporting suspicious activity. Also pay attention to their social media accounts, what types of music they’re listening to and what they are watching on television and the movies.”

Explicit song lyrics and images on the internet can make children think it’s cool and popular to be in a gang, he added.

Strive to eat meals together as a family and encourage children to walk in pairs to and from school, Fields says. “Let kids know it is okay to talk to school counselors and/or religious leaders if they are not comfortable talking to parents. Mentors are also great resources,” she says.

2. WHAT ARE WARNING SIGNS?

Youth who join gangs may become disobedient, disrespectful and belligerent, Carn says.

“They lose interest in family activities or school. They tend to use drugs and commit crimes,” he says.

Other warning signs may include a sudden drop in school grades, skipping school, avoiding family and a new circle of friends, especially if the friends don't hang around at your home, Fields says. Students also may rebel at school and home, begin breaking curfew and possess large sums of money or new, expensive items. 

Kids involved with gangs tend to hang out with or befriend others who act similarly, Carn says. They may wear the same gang color; draw gang symbols on their clothing, walls or school folders; or get gang tattoos.

3. HOW TO FIND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES?

To keep your kids focused, busy and gang-free, try to get your child involved in afterschool activities such as sports, church groups, Boys & Girls Clubs and the Police Athletic League, Carn says. 

“They can also make contact with the nearest community policing deputy to see what programs and activities they have to offer,” he says. Other options include recreational centers, youth empowerment centers and volunteer opportunities.

Social intervention is a key strategy for preventing gang involvement, says Nicole Edwards, director of Community Partnerships for Prime Time Palm Beach County.

“If children and youth have a place to go after the school day has ended — a quality afterschool program or a special interest club, for example, that has a consistent and supportive adult presence — there is an opportunity for them to experience connection and belonging, which are often missing for young people who seek out a gang lifestyle,” she says.

Quality programs provide a safe, supportive environment with engaging activities that enhance academic performance and help youth form and maintain positive relationships, says Teal Chance, director of Quality Improvement for Prime Time Palm Beach County.

“Prime Time provides resources and assistance to afterschool and summer programs to improve youth experiences during those out-of-school time hours when youth are most vulnerable to a violent community,” Chance says.

SOURCES:

• Tammy Fields, director, Palm Beach County Youth Services
• Terrence Carn, lieutenant, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office
• Nicole Edwards, director of Community Partnerships, Prime Time Palm Beach County
• Teal Chance, director of Quality Improvement, Prime Time Palm Beach County