Interviews

Gangs helpline launch

by Mark Rowe

One in six young people aged between 13 and 15 say they know someone in a gang. Young people’s lives are ruined, and in some cases even ended, because of gangs. Those who become involved are frequently abused, exploited and put in dangerous situations. So says the charity NSPCC which has launched a helpline service as support for adults worried about young people involved in, or at risk from, gangs. Anyone with concerns can contact the 24 hour helpline anonymously on 0808 800 5000 or email [email protected].

Parents, carers, family members and other adults in children’s lives such as teachers have an incredibly important role to play in helping protect them from gangs. But it can be difficult to know what to do. The Home Office is supporting the service as part of the Home Office led Ending Gang and Youth Violence strategy. It has funded specialist training for NSPCC’s helpline practitioners.

What to look out for

There aren’t any definite signs, according to the charity, that show a child has joined a gang – and it’s unlikely that they’ll tell you. Things parents can look out for include:

spending time with people you don’t know and aren’t sure about
going missing from home or school
getting into trouble at school
having new clothes or other items that you think they can’t afford
getting involved with crimes including robbery, violence, drug dealing and sexual exploitation
having unexplained injuries
losing interest in their existing hobbies
becoming secretive
not telling you where they have been or why they have returned late.
None of these signs mean for certain that a child has joined a gang. If you’re unsure you can call the NSPCC helpline and we will talk you through any concerns you have.

It is important to be aware that gangs post information on the internet, the NSPCC points out. They may, for example, have video clips on YouTube or profiles on social media sites which feature their members. Young people join gangs for many reasons, including:

a sense of belonging
status
excitement
protection
fear
power
peer pressure
money
family problems. Boys and girls join.

Children and young people involved with, or on the edges of, gangs may be victims of violence. They may be pressured into doing things for the gang, such as stealing or carrying drugs or weapons. Girls who join or are linked to gangs are additionally at risk of sexual exploitation, and in some cases may be pressured into having sex with several gang members. Girls’ involvement in gangs is often harder to spot and much of the abuse they experience goes on behind closed doors. ChildLine is the charity’s free 24/7 confidential helpline for children – 0800 1111.

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