Useful Links
Advice for young people
Gang Myths
Wanting to be part of a group is normal. You may feel that it gives you protection or credibility/status.
But if your group is a gang that commits crime the opposite is really the case. It puts you in more danger.
Members of other gangs may come after you, or your friends.
You may be a girlfriend of a gang member. But do they really respect you and treat you right?
You may also be at risk of attack, including sexual attack, from rival gangs trying to get back at them.
- Gangs want you to run errands for them. They are just using you.
- Being in a gang limits where you can and can't go
- Once you are in a gang it is very difficult to get out, even if you want to and you are frightened for your life.
- You won't earn respect from those that matter the most to you - your family/your loved ones - by getting arrested.
- be accepted into a college or university
- get a job
- be allowed to travel to some countries, like the United States of America
If you have a criminal record you might not:
If you are in gang and want to get out, if you are being pressurised to join a gang, or if you are a girl who knows gang members and are are worried about bad things happening to you sexually:
- Call the HEART helpline 0800 1111, it is confidential, anoymous, 24 hours and free
- Tell your parents or an adult you trust
- Tell a teacher or your Safer Schools Officer
- Speak to friends who don't belong to gangs
Research shows, if you are in a gang, you are far more likely:
- to be victims of crime, more than non gang-members
- to carry a weapon, like a knife or a gun
- commit a serious offence
- break the law repeatedly
- have complaints made about them for rude and antisocial behaviour
- use illegal drugs
- be involved in alcohol related incidents
