The Problem of Children's Membership in Street Gangs

Today in many mature, modern criminal street gang’s violence is often a means to an end. The prime objective; material profit, through drug trafficking and other criminal activities. Modern gang behavior indicate that violent gangs have an overwhelming capacity to deal with fear and are; therefore, not as easily intimidated by authority and/or authority figures.

They must possess the ability to cut fear off. At every stage of a crime gang members experience excitement, they’re concrete thinkers, and have a minute interest in responsible performance or a display of the ownership. As parents, teachers, school administrators and mentors, the importance to have as much insight as possible to understand why children today might be interested in affiliating with the gang scene, so we can be better equipped to speak to the younger generation of the many possible outcomes of this treacherous path. Try to understand the characteristics of gangs, why children might join gangs, and personal reasons for membership.

Understand that a gang member can be callused, lack realistic long-term goals, and remorse, be prone to easy boredom and have an acceptably poor impulse control. Appearances can be very deceiving as well. The standard gang member is a good con-artist and can easily manipulate his/her environment as it suits his/her needs. A gang member can, also, display poor internalizing skills, resentful of authority, be an accomplished liar, and can be chronically angry. They can be considered, basically, decent human beings, and; therefore, justified in what they do. A gang member wants to be in charge, but may often have poor leadership skills, is chronically angry and defensive, and cannot be structured or do tasks for a protracted period.

In many cases, children feel they have no choice. Children may prefer to not become a gang member, but they cannot see any other way to avoid the oblivious situation. Children may be living in fear daily and see joining a gang as a solution to all and every problem. Even the pressure to just simply join a gang may be very strong and heavily influenced on an outside enacting force. Children may; also, be beginning to wear certain colors or other types of clothing associated with gangs to "fit in" with other gang members. They may wear distinctive hairstyles, use gang only terminology, and get involved with gang related criminal activities.

There are a variety of personal reasons for young people to be joining gangs. These include: the excitement of gang activity, financial benefit, peer pressure, attention, the need to belong and coincide with a family tradition, and a lack of realization of the hazards that are involved. Children often choose to join gangs if their friends or family members belong within the group as well. Also, a number of ways students with poor self-concept may increase their self-esteem by joining as well. These young people seek to obtain attention and recognition for their activities, whether it be a criminal act or not. Gangs supply that extra “pat-on-the-back” care package that they might not receive at home or at school.

Overall, parents, teachers, school administrators and mentors, must provide children with a loving home, and a safe environment plus help them get to and from school safely if necessary. It is also, the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to see that the school is a safe place to learn, play, and excel within life. We must work to see that the neighborhood is safe place for their children to play and live safely and cautiously. We need to work together to monitor children and surrounding activities and provide law enforcement with much needed information to help keep the neighborhood a safe environment. If children get into trouble with law, we must let the children suffer the consequences for such illegal behavior. Protecting children from the law does not teach responsibility but only enabling them from what’s right and wrong.

Be aware of changes that occur with the children such as dress changes, selection of friends, violence in public and a blatant disregard for persons or property or one’s own self. Also, be aware if the child has purchased new and/or expensive items extra money that cannot be accounted for. Changes in behavior and dress can be a normal part of adolescence or an indication of inappropriate identification and association with some gang related activities. Know the difference by being an involved adult and NOT a bystander. Be aware of what's going on. If young people cannot communicate their concerns and problems to someone significant at home or at school, they could make a negative decision to join a gang, which would affect them for the rest of their lives.