Gangs and Youth Violence

A gang is a relatively durable, predominantly street-based group of young people who see themselves (and are seen by others) as a discernible group and engage in a range of criminal activity and violence. They may also identify with or lay claim over territory, have some form of identifying structure feature, and/or are in conflict with other, similar gangs.

Adapted from Serious youth violence: County lines drug dealing and the Government response, 2022

Youth violence is often synonymous with gangs.

In its report, Children, violence and vulnerability, the Youth Endowment Fund found:

• 47% of teens had been a victim or witness of violence in the last 12 months.
• 68% of child victims said they’d experienced violence that led to physical injuries.
• 60% of children saw real-world acts of violence on social media and 29% had seen content relating to weapons.
• 47% of children reported that violence and the fear of violence impacted their day-to-day lives.

Any child or young person may become involved in gangs and youth violence. However, certain groups may be more vulnerable, including those experiencing: 

• a chaotic home life where children are not a priority;
• poor supervision from an early age;
• issues within the home (e.g., domestic abuse, mental ill-health);
• a familial history of offending;
• additional needs;
• poor engagement with education or have been permanently excluded from school;
• poor self-image/self-esteem;
• being in care.

Children and young people may join a gang for several reasons, including:

• the need for a sense of belonging and purpose;
• to gain respect, status or power;
• for protection;
• being recruited by other gang members; 
• being pressured to join;
• boredom;
• poverty;
• feeling they will not find a better life or good job;
• financial gain (legal or otherwise).

Possible indicators include:

• aggression and/or non-compliance;
• difficulty concentrating;
• difficulty developing relationships;
• reduction in attendance and/or attainment, going missing;
• poor self-esteem, depression or anxiety;
• self-harm;
• substance misuse;
• changes in behaviour and appearance;
• unexplained possessions;
• refusal to enter certain areas;
• a new nickname or starts to use tags/graffiti on books/possessions.

• Create an environment based on equality and informed choice – provide information to allow pupils to make informed choices. It’s well established that success in learning is one of the most powerful factors in the prevention of youth crime.
• Check young people have safe relationships – in their family, with their peers and with your staff. Create an environment where it’s okay to talk even about the most difficult things.
• Contextual approach – be aware of the risks to children and young people in your local area concerning gangs and youth violence.
• Multi-agency working – collaborate with the police, local government, youth offending teams, and health and probation services, to share data and information. Jointly create plans to prevent and reduce serious violence within local communities.
• Know the signs and know what to do – use the checklists above, your safeguarding procedures and be confident in raising gang and youth violence as a possibility.
• Take action – and keep taking action until you know children and young people are safe.