Pow! Pow! Pow! Run! Gunfire and screaming people are a few of the common noises that can be heard in gang filled neighborhoods. Gangs are one of the leading causes of violence among teens with very little positive possible outcomes. Negative family situations cause gang involvement because they are looking for a sense of belonging, a way to make money, and peer pressure. One of the main reasons children get involved with gangs is because they want to feel a sense of belonging. They feel that being in a gang offers a way to gain attention or status among their peers. Most likely these children do not have strong ties to their families, communities, or schools so they turn to gangs as their substitute family. This all leads back to the foundation that their families laid for them and for most it is a negative path. “Parents must strengthen children 's sense of purpose by setting expectations for their personal behavior. Expect your children to have respect for others, to obey authority, to be honest, and to do one 's best. Help children set realistic goals so they feel a sense of accomplishment” (Why Young People Join Gangs and What You Can Do). A common example and a way to stay away from gangs are by getting involved. By getting involved with a sports team or a school club it can provide a positive family …show more content…
Joining a gang makes teens more vulnerable to becoming a victim of crime. In a recent study, 49% of violent crime was somehow affiliated with gang-related activity (National Youth Gang Survey Analysis). Each year the number continues to rise, therefore making gangs have zero positive effects. Children will become much safer if they make an effort to go out and find a job or join a team. It is so much easier in forming positive relationships that will last a lifetime while being involved in positive extracurricular activities instead of negative gang-related