What Families Can Do Seek Community Support and Partnerships Work With Schools The Promise Where to Look for Help and Resources Our Challenge Gang and youth violence problems have doubled in some Northern Virginia communities and schools in the last two years. Gangs engage in many illegal activities, including drug pushing, intimidation, extortion, graffiti, violence, murder, robbery, and car theft. Gang members and their families risk becoming involved with violence, and gang members risk becoming alcohol and drug abusers, career criminals, and school dropouts. Unsupervised time before and after school is a major contributing factor to gang involvement.
Peers often influence children to join gangs.
Television, movies, magazines, and musical groups often glamorize illegal drug use, violence, sex, and even gang membership. Our Response Families, schools, and communities must unite to substantially reduce and eliminate youth violence and gang membership. What Families Can Do Be close to your children, express affection, and share your values and high expectations for their success in school and life. Discuss, clearly and honestly, tough issues, such as alcohol and illegal drugs, smoking, gangs, and sexual involvement. Set and enforce reasonable standards of behavior, and praise good behavior.