Behaviors

5.d

The behavior of young people can change when they become involved with a gang.

Behavior at home

At home, behavior changes can mean:

• withdrawing from family
• secretive behavior
• blocking family from social media
• aggression
• unexplained injuries
• being late for curfew
• absconding from home
• breaking family rules
• pushing family boundaries
• new friends that you don't know
• expensive items of clothing, footwear, electrical goods, jewelry, watches
• increased amounts of cash
• unaccounted for money in their bank
  

Behavior at school

At school, behavior changes can mean:



• withdrawing from school
• loss of interest
• no longer attending school clubs
• a breakdown of friendships
• aggression
• unexplained injuries
• breaking school rules
• pushing boundaries
• lack of respect
• truanting or long term absences
• expensive items of clothing, footwear, electrical goods, jewelry, watches
• being dropped off at school in unknown cars or taxis
• being approached outside of school by unknown people

Behavior with professionals who work with young people

Around professionals, behavior changes can mean:



• secretive behavior
• not being open
• a change in your professional relationship
• being withdrawn
• aggression
• unexplained injuries
• not attending meetings or appointments
• concerns being raised by parents, guardians, teachers, social workers, youth workers
• being taken to appointments by unknown people
• arriving in taxis or unknown cars
• new mobile phones and not providing the number
• receiving calls throughout their sessions and wanting to leave quickly
• a careless, reckless attitude
• carrying weapons or things that can be used as weapons
• expensive items of clothing, footwear, electrical goods, jewelry, watches
• change in friends
• association with other gang members
• tattoos