A gang is an organized group of three or more people who engage in criminal activity, create fear within a community, and who may have an identifying sign or symbol.

The following behaviours may suggest that a child is considering becoming involved with a gang:

• Negative behaviour changes such as withdrawing from friends and family, declining school performance and attendance, and routinely breaking rules
• Increased drug use and acquisition of weapons
• A new interest in gang-inspired music, games, movies or media
• Tattoos, or the frequent drawing of symbols on personal possessions
• Unexplained injuries
• Unexplained, or missing, cash or jewelry

To help keep children away from gang involvement:

• Be a positive role model and spend time with your child
• Encourage participation in extra-curricular, as well as in-school, activities and sports
• Enforce rules and curfews
• Encourage academic success
• Talk openly about the dangers of gangs and criminal activity

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