Advice for parents and carers on gangs

What is a gang?

A group of young people is not necessarily a gang. Teens often find safety in numbers through staying with a particular group of friends, and usually like to avoid trouble. Knowing what a gang is and how it is classified can be useful for parents who are worried about their child.

A group may be classed as a gang if it:

• has a name
• has a defined territory
• uses a specific colour, particularly in clothing
• uses specific hand gestures or signs
• uses symbols shown in tattoos or graffiti

• admits membership to a group which meets the criteria of a gang
• is identified by a reliable informant as a gang member
• lives in or frequents a gang’s area and adopts its style of dress or other signs – or associates with known gang members
• has been arrested in the company of identified gang members for offences consistent with gang activity.

While the definition of a gang is quite vague, one important thing to note is that membership or association with a particular group of people is not illegal in itself – however, gangs are often linked to criminal activity, so it can be useful to recognise certain types of behaviour and signs that your teen may be involved in gang-related crime. We have listed some of the more common signs below.

• Withdrawing from the family
• Loss of interest in school
• Dropping positive activities like sports
• Changes in behaviour reported by the school
• Unexplained extra money or new possessions such as clothes, trainers, jewellery, computers / games, mobile phones
• Staying out late without permission
• Being increasingly secretive or vague about their whereabouts, activities or friends
• A new nickname
• Dressing differently, perhaps in a particular style or colour
• Unexplained physical injuries
• Using tags or graffiti on books and possessions
• Using hand signals or code to speak with friends

Suspicions that your son or daughter is involved in a criminal gang are not necessarily proof, so it’s important to proceed with an open mind. Talk to your teen openly – ask them questions and listen to what they have to say without making direct accusations.

Download our infographic on gangs if you are worried about your teen

Gangs and the law

Gang membership isn’t illegal but, once involved, members are more likely to commit robbery, assault or drug offences and to carry or use knives and guns. Gang members may take risks with their physical safety and sexual health and are far more likely to become victims of crime and risk serious injury or even death. It’s not only boys who join gangs. Young women can be involved as gang members or associates and they are particularly vulnerable to becoming involved in risky sexual behaviour. 

If your child carries a gun or knife, they could be arrested; this could lead to going to court, going to prison and will result in a criminal record. Having a criminal record can prevent them from getting a job, going to university or college and even travelling abroad. A criminal record will affect the rest of their life. It is illegal to carry a knife if there is intent to use it as a weapon, even if it belongs to someone else. The sentence for possessing a knife in a public place without a good reason has been increased from 2 to 4 years. It is illegal to buy a knife if you are under 18.

It is illegal to keep any prohibited firearm, or to carry any firearm – including an imitation – in public, even if you are carrying it for someone else. The sentence for unlawful possession of a prohibited firearm is 3 years for 16 – 17 year olds and 5 years for adults. It is illegal to hold any offensive weapon including a taser or CS gas or ammunition.

Police can and will search someone if they are believed to be carrying a gun, knife or any other weapon. Police and school staff can also search young people at school. If offenders operate in a group or gangs, this is considered an aggravating factor and may lead to a longer sentence.

Why a young person may join a gang

There are many reasons why a teen may join a gang. They may feel that protection is important as there could be a number of them together. It may be peer pressure or to gain status and respect. They may join for financial reasons or perhaps to escape negative situations such as issues at home or bullying. 

What can parents do to keep their children safe from gangs?

As a parent you can help protect your son or daughter by understanding the issues, recognising the signs and getting further help and support if you need it.

You can tackle the issue of gangs positively by setting a good example - you are their first and most important role model. If you deal with conflict without the use of anger or violence, it's more likely your child will too. Set clear boundaries around what is acceptable behaviour and what is not, emphasising the difference between earning something and taking it from others.

Talk to your child without judgement. Remember that they are growing up in a different time from you, facing unique challenges. Discuss their hopes and aspirations as well as their fears and worries. Praise them for their achievements and make sure they know you are always there for them.

It is important to advise your teen not to associate with others who may be in a gang or go to places where they hang out. Ask them to avoid going to parties or clubs where known gangs could be. 

Take an active interest and involvement in your child's life. Talk to them about their school work and their personal interests. Get to know their friends, and their friends' families.

Familiarise yourself with the social networks your child uses. Most of the time, using Snapchat, Instagram or YouTube is harmless. However, it’s important to be aware that gangs do sometimes use these sites to organise their activities or promote their gang behaviour. 

Find a way to talk about gangs directly. If it helps, use reports in the news, or storylines on television programmes as a starting point. Your son or daughter may know more than you think and will have opinion.

Further resources 

It may help to chat to other parents on our forums to find out how they are dealing with this issue within their family life. You can also talk to us online via our live chat service, email us at askus@familylives.org.uk or call us on our helpline on 0808 800 2222 to speak to trained family support worker.

Other organisations that may be useful:

You can speak to the team at Gangsline too for help and advice

Watch this video for further tips and guidance