Street and gang violence are nothing new to our society. Five decades ago in the UK it was not uncommon for fighting to break out between rival gangs of cut throat razor wielding gangs of ‘teddy boys’

 

Many well meaning protest marches against the Vietnam War during the 1970’s in the USA often ended in violence. In modern times the news is full of violence perpetrated by drug gangs in Mexico.

 

Much of street and gang violence is associated with the young, although this may not always be the case. It is often said by psychologists that gang violence originates in the home as a result of incorrect guidance, and incorrect bonding between the young person and the parents. If this is true then are there ways of preventing gang violence? Here are a few suggestions for parents.

 

  1. Become involved with the young person. Show an interest in school activities and get to know the school teachers. Ask about his or her (gang violence is not only a male domain!) progress, and try to encourage the young teen to have some useful after school activity at home.

 

  1. Find out who are the close friends of your youngster and invite them to your house for an informal supper, perhaps to stay overnight. Encourage healthy lifestyles like introducing the young ones to good sports activities such as outdoor camping or overland trekking. This will give them an insight and a realization that teen life is not confined to hanging around coffee shops, bars and other places where gangs tend to collect.

 

  1. It is also a good idea that at school vacation time to have the child visit and stay in a different location, perhaps with relatives living in another area. This will promote an awareness of new faces and newly formed friendships, which will detract the youngster from believing that his or her only friends are the ones at home and help alleviate feelings that such friends are the only ones who matter in the world.

 

  1. Be observant about the childs comings and goings. Be aware of his or her location at any one time and ask where they are going, who they will be with and what time they will arrive back at home. It is far better you set a time limit by which they should return home. When they arrive have a quick glance at the condition of their clothing and visual appearance for any signs that they hare been involved in any kind of gang mix up.

 

  1. Be observant about any changes in their patterns of behavior, especially if they insist on wearing the same type of clothing on their ventures outside. It could be an indication of adopting a uniform as worn commonly by a street gang.

 

If the youngsters appears to have money which has not been given to him or her then demand an explanation as to where it came from, or if a daughter is involved, and there is an appearance of unexplained jewelry then an explanation should equally be demanded.

 

Preventing gang violence can start in the home by good responsible parenting, and the teaching of how to be a decent, honest, and upright citizen.

Tagged with: • • • •

Filed under: Health

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!