The Dangers of Gangs

Whether you live in a big city, a small town or a rural community, you’ve most likely been hearing about gang violence and gang activity in the news. While gangs are not new to Canadian communities, they have been getting a lot of attention lately, and that can make kids curious… and parents concerned.

What is a gang?

The Montreal Police Services defines a gang as “an organized group of adolescents or young adults, who rely on group intimidation and violence, and commit criminal acts in order to gain power and recognition or control certain areas of unlawful activity.”

Gangs self-identify as a group, by doing things like creating a group name, or wearing certain articles of clothing that are associated with their particular gang. They are generally perceived by others as a distinct group, and are involved in a significant number of delinquent incidents or activities. These incidents consequently produce consistent negative responses from the community they live in, as well as law enforcement agencies.


So why do kids join gangs?

Kids and teens join gangs for a variety of reasons, including:

to be closer to friends and family (such as siblings or cousins), who are in the gang too

for acceptance or a sense of belonging

for protection (usually from another gang, or even the gang they are attempting to join)

for status or a sense of power

for excitement

to make money


Go to the next page to learn how to prevent your kids from getting involved with gangs...

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How can I prevent my kids from getting involved with gangs or gang activities?

It’s important to talk to your kids and teens about gangs, especially if they’re being exposed to news about gangs or have experienced gang activity at school or in your community. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you sit down to talk:

Kids need to know the risks of joining a gang, such as having a criminal record, doing jail time, not being able to leave the gang, or even risks like injury, and in some cases, death.

Encourage your kids to stay away from places where gangs are known to hang out, such as parties hosted by members of a gang.

Dressing, talking, or acting like a gang member will commonly get a kid caught up in gang activity.

Teach them how to report gang activity and crimes, and encourage them to use Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous.

Encourage your kids to hang out with friends who have a positive impact on their lives.

They should stay in school, and get involved with teams, clubs, volunteering, sports, or even get a part-time job to avoid the pressures to join a gang.


Most people who become involved in gangs regret it after. Unfortunately, this regret often sets in only after a tragedy or an incident has occurred, like an arrest or a death. Leaving a gang can be difficult and dangerous; it’s important to talk to kids and teens about the dangers of this lifestyle and encourage them to steer clear of any gang activity in your neighbourhood.


There is help available

If an adolescent or young adult is already involved in gang, but wants to get out, there are options. It can be a very risky process and so the child should be involved with a gang exiting program or a counsellor who specializes in gang exiting to help ensure their safety. Connect with a youth officer or gang diversion program for support.

Kids Help Phone’s professional counsellors are available, 24/7, to talk about gangs or anything else on a young person’s mind. The service is free to use, anonymous and confidential. Young people can connect with a counsellor at 1-800-668-6868 or online at kidshelpphone.ca.

 

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