This quick reference guide provides common warning signs of gang involvement, but may not be all-encompassing. Parents should look for multiple signs to indicate possible gang involvement because some of these indicators alone, such as clothes or musical preferences, are also common among youth not involved in gangs.
- Admits to "hanging out" with kids in gangs.
- Shows an unusual interest in one or two particular colors of clothing or a particular logo.
- Has an unusual interest in gangster-influenced music, videos, movies or websites.
- Uses unusual hand signals to communicate with friends.
- Comes home with unexplained physical injuries (fighting-related bruises, injuries to hands/knuckles).
- Has unexplained cash or goods, such as clothing or jewelry.
- Carries a weapon.
- Has been in trouble with the police.
- Exhibits negative changes in behavior such as:
- Withdrawing from family.
- Declining school attendance, performance, behavior.
- Exhibiting signs of drug use.
- Breaking rules consistently.
- Speaking in gang-style slang.
