Gang facts for kids
A gang is a group of people who often work together. The word 'gang' comes from an old English word meaning 'to go'. Today, it often means a group of people who do things that are against the law. People in these groups are sometimes called gangsters.
Why do people join gangs? Many young people join for different reasons. Some might join to make money by doing things that are against the law, like stealing. Others might feel like they don't belong anywhere else and want a group to be part of. Sometimes, people join because they are bored.
How Gangs Are Recognized
Gangs often use special signs to show who they are. They might use graffiti (drawings or writings on walls) to mark their "territory." This tells other groups to stay away from that area. Graffiti can also send other messages between gangs. Members of a gang might also dress in similar ways or have the same tattoos to show they belong.
Gangs and Safety
Gang violence means illegal acts of violence done by gangs. This violence can hurt innocent people, damage property, or be directed at other gangs. Gang violence happens in many cities around the world, like Detroit, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Almost every big city has seen gang violence at some point in its history.
Images for kids
-
Black Mafia Family leaders in 2004
-
Latin Kings graffiti
-
A member of the Crips showing a gang signal
See also
In Spanish: Pandilla para niños
