It's a group of people whose activities include committing crimes and violent acts.
Most gang members are young.
They may be in their teens or early 20s. Boys and girls may be recruited to join gangs before they become teens.
A gang often tries to develop a sense of identity.
For example, a gang may have its own:
name
style of dress or appearance -- for example, having similar hairstyles or tattoos, or wearing the same color or type of clothing
hand signals
slang expressions and written symbols, which may appear as graffiti.
Gangs can form in large cities or small towns.
The truth is, gangs can form anywhere. That's why all parents and caregivers should learn about gangs and how to help keep children and communities safe from them.
Why do some young people join gangs?
There are many reasons. Some young people:
Feel pressure or want protection
A gang may threaten to harm the person or his or her family if he or she doesn't join. A young person may also join a gang to avoid threats from another group.
Seek a sense of belonging
Lack of attention or support at home or school can cause some young people to seek the attention of others, including gang members.
Think there are social benefits
TV and movies often portray gang life as glamorous. It may seem to offer benefits, such as status and security. But the reality is, gang life is dangerous and violent.
Know gang members
Without positive role models, some young people are drawn to gang life.
Feel bored
They may not seek healthy involvement in school and community activities.
Gang membership can ruin lives.
Young people who join a gang may face:
Injury or death
Gangs are often involved in violent -- and sometimes deadly -- crimes involving firearms and other weapons. These can include assaults and drive-by shootings.
Trouble with the law
Gang activities may include theft, drug dealing and other serious crimes. This often leads to arrest and prison time. Once the pattern begins, it is difficult to break.
Poor performance at school
Young gang members may be more likely to fall behind in or drop out of school. Later, they may have a harder time getting or keeping a job.
Gang activity hurts everyone in your community. It may result in:
more robberies, assaults, vandalism, and destruction of property
an increase in drug dealing and drug use
a greater feeling of fear about living and working in the community
higher taxes in order to pay for law enforcement, prisons and legal services.
Help protect your child.
You play a key role in keeping your child safe from gangs.
Discuss the dangers of gangs.
Help your child understand the risks. Together, think of ways to resist pressure to join a gang.
Be a good role mode. Your words and actions mean a lot.
Teach your child nonviolent ways to solve conflicts.
Talk to your child about the importance of staying in school. Help your child with his or her homework. Attend school events.
Boost your child's self-esteem.
Talk with your child often. Be sure to listen when your child tells you about his or her feelings and concerns.
Encourage healthy activities that build skills.
For example, your child could:
join a sports team, an after-school club or a faith-based youth group
volunteer to help others in the community
get a part-time job
Stay involved in your child's life. Be sure you know:
who your child's friends are
where your child spends his or her free time.
Help build a safer community.
Report crime.
Work with law enforcement to make your neighborhood a safer place.
Join -- or form -- a neighborhood watch.
Get to know your neighbors. Together, you can fight gang activity and crime in your community. Ask local law enforcement officials for help.
Clean up graffiti.
Gangs sometimes use graffiti to send a message. Send your own message by:
reporting graffiti to law enforcement officials
working to paint over graffiti and make your neighborhood more attractive.
Support community and youth organizations. Many offer positive alternatives to gangs, including:
mentoring programs
vocational education
sports, music, arts and crafts, and other activities.