Advice for parents

As a parent, the last thing you want is for your child to get into trouble or come to any harm.

If your child is becoming involved in a gang or criminal group you may start to notice some changes in their behaviour which may include:

• Poor behaviour
• Unexplained injuries or sums of money or possessions
• Staying out unusually late or going missing from home
• Poor school results or skipping school
• Abusing drugs and/ or alcohol
• Carrying weapons

What can you do?  

• Talk to your child and listen
• Know your child’s friends and their families
• Work with other parents and schools to watch their behaviour
• Contact local voluntary organisations that provide mentoring and other support for young people
• Always know where your child is and who they’re with
• Encourage them to get involved in positive activities and to think about their future employment
• Talk to them about the serious consequences of violent or illegal behaviour
• Call Childline for help and advice
• Contact Gangsline for free advice and support from ex-gang members
• Call 999 if you think your child is in danger and needs urgent help.

Help them to see the dangers of being in a gang or involved with a criminal and discuss ways they can get out.