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Some young people are in gangs, and from the outside this may look appealing. The truth can be very different.

There are many reasons someone might join a gang – some young people are looking for an alternative ‘family’, especially if they aren’t happy at home. Others join because of peer pressure or because they are bored and find the idea of gang life exciting.

If you are thinking of joining a gang, it is important to know the reality. Maybe you think it will be glamorous but gangs are often violent. If you join one you may be asked to carry out an initiation test which might mean being beaten up. If you are a girl you may be sexually assaulted by other gang members as part of this initiation.

You could also be asked to harm someone or break the law in some way to ‘prove’ yourself. Gangs usually have strict ‘rules’ and members are punished if they break them. It can also be very hard to leave a gang once you have joined.

Most gangs have rivalries with other gangs, often based upon your home postcode or territory, which can mean that you’re restricted in where you can go.

You may find yourself involved with drug use, drug dealing and violent crime. Many gangs use weapons such as knives and guns, and lots of young people have been the victims of gang violence. If you carry a knife or a gun, it puts you in danger. The best thing to do is to separate yourself from guns and from people carrying weapons.

If you feel tempted to join a gang, or you are already in a gang and need advice on how to leave, talking to someone could help.

If you have been in custody for gang-related offences and want help to move on you can get help from the St Giles Trust.

Links

Metropolitan Police: Gangs & Group Violence

ChildLine: Gangs

Last review: 28/10/11 - Next review: 28/10/13