PRE-CRISIS INDICATORS
These are some of the signs you may see prior to a violent confrontation:
- Clustering of rival groups (schools, parks, parking lots, movie theaters, etc.)
- Movement of groups not common in your neighborhood (carloads of kids not from your neighborhood)
- Reports of fights and arguments on school property (bus stops, on buses, lunch hours, bus routes)
- Increase in gang graffiti
- Crossing out of gang graffiti
- Violent incidents reported in your neighborhood
- Sudden/excessive change in dress (wearing the same color / flying rags)
WHAT CAN I DO AS A PARENT?
- Praise your children for doing well
- Encourage your children to participate in positive activities
- Get to know your children's friends and their families
- Set the example / be a positive role model
- Talk to your children about gangs and their destructive nature
- Talk and listen to your children
- Put a high value on education
- Identify with positive role models
- Involve your children in positive group activities
SUGGESTED PARENTING TIPS
- Be a good observer - pay attention to your child's behavior
- Learn real names of your children's friends
- Monitor living space for gang paraphernalia, weapons, and drugs
- Report all crimes
- Seek the facts - kids will tell you what you want to hear
- Set clear limits - follow through with discipline if they break the rules
- Teach your children decision making skills - help them make the right choices
- Team up with other parents
Gang prevention resource cards for parents:
Gang Prevention Resource Information - English
Gang Prevention Resource Information - Spanish
Back to Top