Gangs

There are many gangs in the United States today. According to the FBI website there are about 1 million gang members are in 20,000 active violent gangs in the U.S. today. These gangs use violence to control cities, try and make more money, sell and buy drugs, robbery, crimes, and prostitution. Gangs are growing in size and numbers every day. (FBI website)

Parents have a huge influence on how their child is brought up. They could be the influence that decides weather they are criminally active. In the book Gangs Lewis Yablonsky says that " parents who abuse substances are self centered and unable to teach their children how to be caring and compassionate."(pg. 17) I completely agree with him because I feel that parents are supposed to be role models for their children and show them the guild lines to get through life.

Some statistics about gangs it was reported that in 2008 that 58 % of state and local law enforcement agencies said that criminal gangs are active in their communities. It was also said that criminal gangs are reported for 80% of crimes in many cities. Many gangs are dealt with drugs many of them get them illegally from Mexico. Many gangs use the Internet for recruitment and to communicate with other gangs and other members. (national gang threat summary)

Parents can play a big role in keeping their children off the streets and out of gangs. to keep kids out of gangs you should pay attention to your child's friends, pay attention to their grades. You should always communicate with your children. Be a role model for them. Set standards not to high but expect success. And always make time to spend with your child. You need to be involved and in their lives and make sure you're children are on the right track for their lives.(Sanantonio.gov)

Gangs are all over the place many people are in them. I think that parents should always be involved in their kids lives. i think it makes a better relationship and makes it easier for kids to get along through life.