This paper examines how gang violence affects adolescents and their development. Studying this topic is crucial, considering the prevalence and the adverse impacts of this problem in society. Gang violence affects adolescents’ academic performance, employment opportunities, and health. Therefore, as the gangs develop, these adverse impacts worsen. Studying this subject can help determine the causes of the problem and the best strategies to address them. Gang violence against adolescents can involve robbery, sexual assault, and murder. Gang violence refers to the collective violence that members of a group organized. Some of its most significant causes among adolescents are experiencing distressing events during childhood, a lack of people who can guide the individual, and the desire to experience acceptance and belonging. Its effects include bodily harm, increased mistrust and fear within communities, and arrests.
Statistics
Statistics can help explain the widespread prevalence of gang violence among adolescents. For example, research on adolescents in California revealed that 4.1% of grade 11 students participate in gang violence (KidsData, 2023). On the other hand, 4.0% are in grade 9. These statistics demonstrate the severity of this problem, hence the need to address it promptly. This data reveals that one’s likelihood of getting involved in these gangs increases as one advances in grades. That happens due to increased exposure, experience, and intelligence.
On the other hand, the statistics by Functional Family Therapy reveal that geographical locations also affect adolescents’ involvement in these gangs. For example, adolescents involved in gang violence in rural counties constitute 58.9%. Contrariwise, those in suburban counties constitute 36.7% (Functional Family Therapy, 2022). The percentage is also higher in small cities, at 48.0%. On the other hand, 32.6% of adolescents in large cities are involved in gang violence. These statistics reveal that the difference in the availability of various factors in these geographic areas influences the likelihood of adolescents getting involved in gang violence.
A study involving large urban samples of adolescents in the US revealed that these gangs are responsible for most of the violent adolescent offenses in this country. These crimes include aggravated assault, robbery, forcible rape, and murder. While these behaviors can cause death, some lead to permanent physical health damage or mental illnesses. “20% of adolescents’ gang members commit about 80% of all serious violent adolescent offenses.” (Government of Canada, 2023). While some of these individuals are chronic offenders, some of them are recruits. Gang violence also impacts innocent individuals who do not belong to these groups.
In-depth Details
Parents and other caregivers should know the signs of involvement in these gangs to help them identify when they should get help. Besides, they should talk to these young ones about the issue to prevent it. Struggles with academics are one of the signs of involvement in these gangs. One may not have enough time to dedicate to school work, reducing the performance (Hinsberger et al., 2020). Besides, they may not have enough time to attend school. However, not all individuals experiencing challenges in academic performance belong to these groups. Most of these people also engage in drug use, making it challenging to finish their coursework on time. Addressing this problem promptly is crucial because one’s success in the employment sector significantly depends on academic performance.
Another significant factor that can help determine if one is involved in gang violence is their social life. For example, those involved in this practice may struggle with social interactions. Guilt and shame can influence them to isolate themselves from others. Besides, they may have trust issues. That can make it challenging for these individuals to perform well in school and home, where healthy relationships considerably impact success. When a parent realizes that the individual struggles with developing a healthy relationship, they should assess them to rule out chances that they may be involved in this practice (Hinsberger et al., 2020). Adolescents also need healthy and trusting relationships with authority figures. However, guilt can affect this connection. Thus, considering its positive impacts, they may have to deal with the consequences of failing to have this significant connection. They are vulnerable to trafficking, sexual assault, and domestic violence. Being open with law enforcement agencies and other authority figures is crucial to ensure safety.
Caregivers should also look out for any criminal behavior in adolescents because it is a vital sign that they may be involved in this activity. If a parent realizes that these young ones are involved in violent crimes, they should check if they are involved in gangs as they focus on addressing the issue. Sometimes finding out may be difficult as some hide their activities (Hinsberger et al., 2020). However, caregivers should never ignore any signs. Most are also likely to sell, distribute, or use drugs. Identifying and addressing these behaviors promptly is critical because involvement in the criminal justice system harms the adolescent and the parents. For example, it can affect academics and the ability to find housing in the future.
Causes
Various factors cause gang violence among adolescents. For example, adolescents who experience distressing events during childhood can be more vulnerable to gang involvement because of how these encounters impact their behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. These distressing events have long-lasting impacts on people’s mental health (Macfarlane, 2019). They can lead to substance abuse, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. It can also cause despair. Thus, these individuals may feel they lack control over their environment and lives. They may also find it challenging to connect to people. These feelings can make gang involvement more appealing because the group may offer identity, protection, and belonging. Moreover, people who experienced distressing events in their childhood have increased chances of engaging in risky behaviors like delinquency and drug use. This involvement raises their chances of encountering the members of these groups and joining. Gangs may also prey on vulnerable individuals dealing with these problems to help recruit new people.
Another significant cause of this problem is a lack of people who can guide the individual to help them develop important values and skills like social competence, self-esteem, and self-control. These values and skills are essential because they protect one from gang involvement. They provide alternative means for dealing with anxiety and stress. When adolescents do not have people to guide them, they may lack a sense of purpose and direction, resulting in hopelessness, apathy, and boredom. Therefore, gangs may offer a sense of purpose and belonging missing in these people’s lives (Macfarlane, 2019). Besides, they may consider these members as more experienced and knowledgeable in handling the problems adolescents face. A lack of guidance can also lead to limited exposure to positive values and social norms like cooperation, empathy, and authority. Instead, it exposes these adolescents to negative values and social norms like defiance, disrespect, and aggression. Thus, they are more likely to adopt these attitudes and behaviors and engage in gang violence.
The desire to experience acceptance and belonging considerably motivates adolescents; therefore, it is a vital cause of gang violence. The influence of their friends significantly affects behavior (Macfarlane, 2019). During this period, social relationships and identity formation are vital. Thus, these people can conform to the attitudes and behaviors of their peers. This conformation can occur even if the behaviors of their friends conflict with their beliefs and values. Some adults may also be too busy to supervise their children. Therefore, they will more likely seek direction and advice from their peers. If the people who guide them are involved in gangs, these adolescents will more likely follow suit. Gang members can also use violence, intimidation, and fear to discourage these adolescents from opting out and enforce loyalty; they can also provide social status, material goods, and protection to recruit new people. Consequently, adolescents lacking resources or vulnerable ones can become their victims as they view the gang as the only option.
Effects
Gang violence involves considerable effects on adolescents and their development. For example, gang violence is related to increased retaliation, weaponry, and aggression. Therefore, it increases the likelihood of harm to innocent adolescents and gang members. This violence considerably impacts those involved. It can cause long-term physical harm (Macfarlane, 2019). Besides, immediate harm involves physical assault or gunshot wounds. Repeated exposure to it can result in chronic stress, raising the chances of developing physical health challenges like immune system disorders. Domestic violence, drug-related violence, and gun violence can also expose innocent adolescents living in the same areas as these gang members to risk. Those engaging in this practice can also be involved in risky behaviors such as drug use, exposing them to harm. The fear for safety can also result in anxiety and stress, which adversely impacts mental and physical health.
Gang violence can also result in increased levels of mistrust and fear within communities. Therefore, it can limit social support networks and interactions (Macfarlane, 2019). Besides, it can result in increased levels of trauma and stress, affecting families’ and individuals’ well-being and mental health. Some families may opt to relocate to be safe from violence. Besides, they can experience tension and conflicts because of fear and stress. It can also create division, with various groups forming along gang lines. The rising conflict and tension can cause destabilization.
Gang violence is also related to robbery, extortion, and trafficking; therefore, those who engage in it are at increased risk of convictions and arrests. Moreover, members of these groups can participate in criminal acts, leading to incarceration and criminal charges (Mehari et al., 2021). These individuals’ criminal justice system involvement can have long-term impacts on their future success and opportunities. For example, criminal records can limit access to housing, employment, and education opportunities. Therefore, it can perpetuate the cycle of poverty. Besides, this system can be a traumatic experience for adolescents who are vulnerable to the adverse impacts of imprisonment. Besides, this involvement can have psychological and social consequences. Probation or incarceration can result in disconnection and isolation from families and communities. Thus, it can affect well-being and mental health. These people can also experience discrimination and stigma, limiting their success and opportunities.
Solutions
Various measures can help address this problem. For example, providing them with education can promote personal growth and development, reducing the chances of getting involved in this activity (Hinsberger et al., 2020). It also results in a generally positive outcome. School-based programs can be excellent opportunities for these young people. They offer academic support, tutoring, and mentoring to at-risk persons. Therefore, they provide a supportive and safe environment to grow and learn. They can also help them develop positive relationships with people who can mentor them. Besides, providing job readiness programs and vocational training can give them the training and skills necessary to secure employment. Examples of these initiatives are apprenticeships, internships, and job shadowing. They expose adolescents to practical experience and various career options. Besides, giving them support and job placement services guarantee they can maintain and get jobs. It helps address social exclusion, lack of opportunities, and poverty. Giving them the necessary resources and skills help them make positive choices.
Helping caregivers develop the skills to help build a positive environment is one of the best solutions to this problem. These skills will enable them to prevent risky behavior and promote healthy development (Hinsberger et al., 2020). Education programs can teach these caregivers effective parenting strategies and communication. They learn how to provide emotional support, set clear expectations and boundaries, and build stronger relationships with adolescents. Offering psychological support by involving psychotherapists can also support families experiencing stress and conflicts, which can result in adolescents’ involvement in gangs. Adolescents experiencing financial challenges may also be vulnerable to gang involvement. Giving their caregivers support, like affordable housing, can also help them deal with the challenges and stress, saving them from joining the groups.
Law enforcement agencies can also help deal with this problem by addressing matters that disproportionately impact people of color, resulting in feelings of alienation and distrust. Enhancing police training and accountability is crucial (Mehari et al., 2021). For example, they can get training on cultural competence, implicit bias, and de-escalation methods. Besides, executing strategies for police transparency and accountability can help develop confidence and trust in the criminal justice system among communities experiencing this problem. Besides, providing more access to job training and education to adolescents in prisons can help address the matter. Other strategies involve lowering mandatory minimum sentences and executing diversion initiatives for non-violent offenses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, gang violence adversely impacts adolescents and their development. Unfortunately, even those not engaging in this practice can be victims of its adverse impacts. Considering its three significant effects, including bodily harm, increased levels of mistrust and fear within communities, and arrests, determining the best strategies to help address this problem is crucial. For example, identifying ways the government can participate in finding solutions to this problem can help address it. This problem affects the perpetrators, bystanders, and the entire society; thus, the government should treat it with the urgency it deserves.
References
Functional Family Therapy. (2022). Teen Gang Involvement: Prevalence, Prevention, and Protection. Functional Family Therapy.https://www.fftllc.com/blog/teen-gang-involvement
Government of Canada. (2023). Youth gangs in Canada: What do we know? Government of Canada. https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/gngs-cnd/index-en.aspx
Hinsberger, M., Holtzhausen, L., Sommer, J., Kaminer, D., Elbert, T., Seedat, S., … & Weierstall, R. (2020). Long-term effects of psychotherapy in a context of continuous community and gang violence: changes in aggressive attitude in high-risk South African adolescents. Behavioral and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 48(1), 1-13. https://sci-hub.ru/https://doi.org/10.1017/S1352465819000365
KidsData. (2023). Gang Membership, by Grade Level. KidsData.https://www.kidsdata.org/topic/668/gang-grade/bar#fmt=950&loc=2,127,347,1763,331,348,336,171,321,345,357,332,324,369,358,362,360,337,327,364,356,217,353,328,354,323,352,320,339,334,365,343,330,367,344,355,366,368,265,349,361,4,273,59,370,326,333,322,341,338,350,342,329,325,359,351,363,340,335&tf=134&pdist=33&ch=69,305,306,431,1177&sort=loc
Macfarlane, A. (2019). Gangs and adolescent mental health: A narrative review. Journal of child & adolescent trauma, 12(3), 411-420. https://sci-hub.ru/https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-018-0231-y
Mehari, K. R., Rodgers, C. R., Blanton, M. A., & Turner, L. A. (2021). Evaluation of a police training on de-escalation with trauma-exposed youth. International journal of law, crime, and justice, 66, 100491. https://sci-hub.ru/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijlcj.2021.100491
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