Gangs were once known to just be limited to major U.S. cities but are now more prominent in every area. Even small cities, suburbs, and rural communities are experiencing the presence and effects of gangs in their everyday lives. According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, teens are more likely to join or become involved with a gang if they see themselves as deficient in any way and are seeking a seemingly loyal support group.
Many times a teen who joins a gang has a family member who has been or is presently involved with a gang. Joining the gang causes the teenager to feel as though their social life is improving. In reality the group may make this new member become more antisocial in order to stay a part of this gang and keep experiencing what he thinks are benefits.
If a student is involved in a gang, their commitment to performance in school is greatly reduced, especially if drugs or violence increase in their life. Reduced commitment and attention to school work can obviously result in negative consequences, such as dropping out or learning difficulties. In a school attended by gang members, weapons and drugs are reported more often and cause a higher risk of violence on campus. All of this new danger causes a constant feeling of fear to the other students.
Even though violence and drug use seem to be completely personal, the other members of the gang influence each other. Members seem to be victimized. Recovery groups for gang members and support groups for those wanting to leave their gang have proven to be helpful.
http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/gangs-impact-teenagers-3840.html
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