Gangs are a violent reality that people have to deal with in today's cities. What has made these groups come about? Why do kids feel that being in a gang is both an acceptable and honorable way of life? The long-range answer to these questions can only be speculated, but in the short term the answer is easier to find. We must find ways and means to effectively implement the various strategies to end gang violence. I believe that three important institutions play a vital role in our struggle to fight gang violence.

Some believe that gangs are caused by peer pressure. Many teens in gangs will pressure peers into becoming part of a gang by making it all sound glamorous. Other teens will use money as a crucial factor. A kid is shown that they could make a couple of hundred for small part time gang jobs. This includes selling drugs and robbing other people. In other areas like Bronx or the very worst case, Compton, children will be beaten and robbed if they do not join gangs. This is one reason why teens in these areas have to have friends in order for th

Kapos, Katherine "A Parent's Guide for Preventing Gangs." Gang Unit: Parent's Guide for Gang Prevention 2 May 1996

These are the major factors why most of the teenagers turn to gangs. I believe that proper parenting plays the major role in preventing kids in joining gangs. Everything starts at home; from teaching your kids the right values and helping them develop self-esteem. Parents should teach their kids to value education because this is their key to better future. Parents should serve as a role model to their children. They should do everything possible to involve their children in supervised, positive group activities. Parent need's to praise their children when they are doing well and encourage them to do their very best, to stretch their skills to the utmost.

Holt, Summer C. "Mothers Against Gangs." Nidra King Center Save The Children. 24 June 1999

I am interested in this issue because I want to find out the best way I could prevent my kids from joining gangs. I do not have any experience gr

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 751
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)