Here is a series of behaviours that may help parents figure out whether their teenager is being drawn into a street gang.

Usually boys approach street gangs to become members and girls are recruited by the gangs. Belonging to a gang is attractive for some more vulnerable youth because the gang fulfils their needs.

Indeed, gangs appear to offer youth the following sources of satisfaction:

• A place to belong
• A family
• Physical protection
• Social support
• Solidarity
• An opportunity to develop self esteem
• Validation
• Money
• Power
• Status

Common personality traits of street gang members

Behaviour problems (e.g., violence, delinquency)

Low self-esteem

Need for glorification

Rejection of standards

The emotional, psychological and social needs of street gang members are often unfulfilled.

Some of the character traits listed below may also simply be natural in adolescents. It is important to observe the person’s behaviour as a whole, in context. If these traits are truly exaggerated, it is worth looking more closely, without necessarily drawing the conclusion that the person has become a street gang member.

Signs of belonging to a street gang

These indicators must be considered together to be deemed meaningful. Some of these behaviours may just be the usual signs of teenagehood.

The teen:

Seems to dress according to a specific dress code (specific clothing);

Wears clothing or owns items that he or she could not normally afford to buy;

Has less and less interest in school;

Has lost interest in former friends and activities;

Has new, older friends identified by nicknames, whom the parent has never met;

Consumes alcohol and drugs;

Goes to street gang Internet chat sites;

Uses hateful or racist language;

Has been the victim of crime or fears being victimized;

Has had problems with the police;

Owns a weapon.

To find out more 

"Do you know my gang?" Questionnaire

This eight-page questionnaire for parents aims to prevent delinquency and gang violence. It provides clues to help parents figure out whether a teenager is involved in a gang or at risk of getting involved.

It also helps parents reflect on a teenager’s behaviour and attraction to gangs and outlines the structure and support that are available