This may include a specific hat or colored bandanna or jacket of a particular sports team if the colors are significant to the gang. In schools where information is confirmed that an item of clothing, hat, or bandanna may have been adopted by a gang, the school authorities must take steps to discourage the wearing of that item. Parents need to realize that while there is nothing that can guarantee a child will not be lured into gangs or drug use, there are things that can be done to reduce the likelihood of that occurring. Also, if the child gets involved, chances are improved of retrieving the child. Many of the tactics gangs use to entice youth are the same that parents should use to keep a child safe from those influences.
Strong bonds are difficult to break.
A strong, parent-bonded relationship with the child greatly decreases the probability of that child turing towards gangs or drugs. Boundaries should be set with thought and reason for the purpose of teaching the child to make good choices. Often parents are afraid to set boundaries. They are afraid of hurting or being rejected by the child. This is especially true of divorced parents.