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.