Teens joining Gangs

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1199613/Brain-scans-teenage-street-gangs-trace-reasons-life-crime.html

You stare at the people standing in the back corner. They all seem really cool, no one is afraid of them so why should you? They're all wearing the same color and showing some letter with their hands to defend their "territory" or here at school their favorite corner. They're like a family always hanging out with each other and protecting each other. What if you told them that you wanted to join their team, their family, their gang? What would they say? You finally obtain the courage to walk up to them and ask. They ask you if you are really up to the challenge you say yes. One more time they ask you if you are fully aware that you want to join a gang and that the first step is them jumping you in meaning a couple of them will beat at you for a couple of seconds to prove your worthy. You once again agree how bad could it be plus they will be your family forever. They set up a time behind the school's basketball court to get you in. You meet them there and the beatings begin. After the first couple of seconds you black out and do not remember anything what happens but the stinging of the pain does not go away. Your finally in what you always wanted a family. That's when it really begins the view outsiders do not really see. The drugs, the alcohol, the stealing and the violence. Is this the life you wanted? Yes having a family is great but not the bad things you have done to achieve it how can you get out? What would they do to you if you did?

According to teenhelp.com the number of youth gangs throughout the U.S. tops 24,500, and the number of teens and young adults involved in gang activity is higher than 772,500. One-fourth of gang members are aged 15-17 and the average age for a gang member is 17 to 18 years old.There are also more males in gangs than females, although the number of females in gangs is on the rise. There are various reasons that teens choose to join gangs. Even though thoughts of violence may not originally prompt joining the gang, once a part of the gang a teen is expected to commit violent acts, such as joining gang fights and committing violent crimes. Some of the reasons teens join gangs include the opportunity to make money, thrill seeking, protection from bullies, desire for prestige, and a chance to belong. Interestingly enough, few teens are actually forced into joining gangs. 
There are warning signs that your teenager might be involved with a gang. Some of the ways someone can determine if a teen has joined a gang or tends to join a gang are; Sudden changes in clothing worn by your teen, especially if it involves wearing the same color schemes all the time, A desire to hide activities from you, Loss of interest in family activities, Declining interest in school and extracurricular activities, Having relatively large amounts of money without clear explanation, Run-ins with the police and other authority figures, and Known gang symbols on belongings, including books and clothing.

If you are in a gang or are being forced to join one seek help. Seek help sooner than later since later can result in violence, drugs, alcohol, or even death. Some places where you can seek help are your parents, your counselor, or even places like the National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center or others. Let someone know what is happening and stay in a safe place. Remember you are you and life reflects on your decisions, make things right.


 http://www.teenhelp.com/teen-violence/teen-gang-involvement.html