Typical Pre-Gang Behavior Identification or affiliation with gangs usually does not happen overnight. Pre-Gang behavior usually begins at the elementary school age.
Children join gangs for a variety of reasons.
While the above items are characteristics of gang involvement, some youth who join or associate with gangs do not dress in the traditional clothes and do not exhibit conspicuous behavior that indicates gang involvement. Parents must be aware of the behavior and activities of their children. Continual behavior and communication interaction between parents and youth is imperative to prevent gang membership.