They poison our streets with drugs, violence, and all manner of crime.

“Some 33,000 violent street gangs, motorcycle gangs, and prison gangs with about 1.4 million members are criminally active in the U.S. today. Many are sophisticated and well organized; all use violence to control neighborhoods and boost their illegal money-making activities, which include robbery, drug and gun trafficking, fraud, extortion, and prostitution rings. According to the 2011 National Gang Threat Assessment report, gangs are responsible for an average of 48 percent of violent crime in most jurisdictions, and up to 90 percent in others. We’re redoubling our efforts to disrupt and dismantle gangs through intelligence-driven investigations and new initiatives and partnerships.” FBI.gov

The craving to find some sort of group identity is usually strong in adolescence, and it is normal for girls and boys to want to be part of a group to achieve some degree of identification with their peers. Many teens find nurturing group acceptance in sports teams, rock bands, or any other number of special-interest organizations that offers the opportunity to bond with like-minded teens. What is scary is when the tendency to bond “tribally” in adolescence is with a gang. While gangs offer their members a powerful sense of belonging, they also almost always lead to disaster for virtually every member.

The reality is that gang members almost always are into drugs, have committed violent acts, crimes and felonies – and yes, sadly this includes murdering or being murdered themselves. Gangs also present a danger to a member’s family and friends.

It is interesting, as we see this week, so many children are fleeing to the United States over the Mexican border. It is widely suspected that these children are coming from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador – countries battered by gang violence. Gangs are a worldwide problem that’s growing.

So what can we do to keep our children safe? Here are some things to do:

• A teenager can refuse to join a gang: talk with your teen about resisting any intimidation tactics he may be experiencing from other gang members.
• Encourage your teen to go to the police, parents, teachers, and other authority figures for help. Gang activity can and should be reported.
• Getting involved in other activities – both group (sports and other special interest) and solo (hobbies, playing an instrument, and so on) options abound – can give your teen a healthy sense of purpose and belonging.
• Increase parenting skills by attending parent-education groups – and especially any that address the dangers of gangs, so that you’ll know what to watch for in your teenager.
• Set a good example: show, in your own life and dealings with other people, that there are healthy and satisfying modes of interaction your teen can pursue. This is the most powerful help you can give.
• Know what your teen is doing and where he is, and make sure he is involved in supervised activities.
• Praise your teen. Do what you can to bolster his self-esteem, the lack of which is a frequent motive for joining gangs and committing other antisocial acts.
• Be very clear about your disapproval of gang activities.
• As in virtually every other dilemma or potential problem your teen faces, family communication is essential. When you’re able to talk and listen to you teen on a regular basis, the odds go down that your teen will turn to a “new” family for guidance, identity, a sense of belonging, or other support.

And remember, girls will join gangs too! Gangs are not also just in the inner-cities any more. They are all across America – in our suburbs and rural communities, too. If you suspect your child is in a gang you should seek help. Speak to school personnel, local police, mental health community agencies, your clergy, but most of all to your teenager.

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.