This page contains some important warning signs of gang involvement by youth. Please note that some of these factors are present in children as they normally progress through the teenage years. As mentioned on the Basic Gang Awareness page, the more factors present in a child the more confidence you can have that there may be a problem.
Child exhibits a sudden drop in academic performance.
Sudden change in friends. Truancy and non-involvement with school. Uses gang graffiti on book covers, folders, or artwork. Using and recognition of hand signs by youth and friends. Appearance of gang tattoos.