Not My Kid
Anyone who's reported on gangs and violence has heard this before. It may even be true.
But being a protective mother or father is no substitute for knowledge. Or action.
The DOJ's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) has created a quick reference guide on the common signs your child may be involved in a gang.
Some are pretty obvious: your child admits to hanging with gang members, uses unsual hand signals to communicate with friends, draws gang symbols on school books, clothes or walls, has a gang tattoo or even carries a weapon.
It may just be a pose. It may not.
Good parenting is a key to prevention. COPS suggests spending time with your child and get involved with their school's activities.
Know you child's friends and their families. Teach your child how to handle peer pressure.
Be honest. Talk with them about the dangers of gang involvement. Let them know you don't want them to end up injured, in jail or dead.
It's a battle worth fighting, and you don't have to do it alone. Get involved early, and ask school officials, law enforcement, church leaders for help.
For much more information on what you can do to keep your child safe and out of gangs, check out the COPS link at http://safestate.org.