All children, regardless of gender or ethnicity, can become involved in gang activity. Contrary to prevailing stereotypes, gang members are not only African American or Hispanic males. Indeed, the fastest growing gangs are Asian and Caucasian, and girls are forming their own gangs and exhibiting antisocial behavior. What's more, gangs don't recognize socioeconomic boundaries. All across the United States people are grappling with the problem of widespread gang activity and seeking ways to intervene.
Most programs focus on older youth, most of whom are already involved with gangs.
Prevention must begin at an earlier age. A Call for Early Intervention Children in the primary grades need to learn the truth about gang involvement because they are already forming attitudes about gangs. Some 1st graders we met in counseling groups were already drawing gang insignias on artwork, wearing gang colors, and flashing gang signs. During home visits we observed toddlers, as well as family members, wearing gang-specific jewelry. Although children in our groups seemed intrigued by gangs, they understood the need to be secretive about their knowledge.