Introduction
Gangs and youth violence are a growing problem across the country. Membership of gangs and associated youth violence can have a devastating impact on children and young people and their families.
Being part of a peer group is seen as a normal part of childhood development. However, peer groups are less defined and organised than gangs, and membership of peer groups is fairly fluid, i.e., members can come and go as they please. It’s also relatively normal for groups of children to get together in public places because this allows them to share news, ideas, etc., and also potentially do things that they would not be able to get away with whilst under the watchful eyes of adults. For some, this may involve low-level criminality, however, this does not necessarily make them a gang – gangs have clear structures and tasks.
Need more?
Thank you for visiting our resources pages. These are free to everyone as is our fortnightly safeguarding bulletin – general safeguarding information is too important to restrict. Become a member to access lots more, including training materials for you to deliver in-house on each topic in Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Sign up for FREE fortnightly bulletin.
- What about training?
We can deliver training for your setting on this and other subjects via online platforms, or face-to-face in certain areas. Just get in touch to discuss your requirements.
Definition of a gang
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
In 2020-21, 12,720 children assessed by children’s social care were deemed to be at risk due to gang involvement and this is likely only the tip of the iceberg as many gangs are still unknown to the authorities. Youth violence is often synonymous with gangs. Over recent years, there has been continuing concern about knife crime. A parliamentary report in 2019 showed that there was evidence that children and young people aged 15-24 years old were disproportionately represented, making up almost 50% of those killed with a gun or a knife in London, but only making up 12% of the population of London.
Ministry of Justice statistics for 2020-21 show that children and young people (aged 10-17) were in court for being in possession of a knife or offensive weapon in 19% of cases. Also, of those people admitted to hospital for assault by sharp object, 17% were aged 18 or younger. Any violent attack (be it physical or sexual) can have life-changing consequences (visible or otherwise) and can lead to fatalities.
There is also a strong link to county lines, which is described by the government as “gangs and organised criminal networks involved in exporting illegal drugs into one or more importing areas within the UK, using dedicated mobile phone lines or other form of ‘deal line’. They are likely to exploit children and vulnerable adults to move and store the drugs and money and they will often use coercion, intimidation, violence (including sexual violence) and weapons.”
Approximately 20% of those involved in county lines are children. County lines guidance identifies that the average age of children involved in county lines drug dealing is between 15 and 16 years old, although there have been reports of children as young as 12 years old being involved.
Additional vulnerabilities
- 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);
- familial history of offending;
- children with additional needs;
- poor engagement with education;
- poor self-image/self-worth;
- looked after children;
- children who have been permanently excluded from school.
Reasons for joining a gang
- gangs provide a sense of belonging and purpose;
- to get respect, status or power;
- for protection;
- recruited by other gang members and are pressured to join;
- boredom;
- poverty;
- feeling they will not find a better life or good job;
- financial gain (legal or otherwise).
Spot the signs
- aggression and/or non-compliance;
- difficulty concentrating;
- difficulty developing relationships;
- reduction in attendance and/or attainment/missing episodes;
- low self-esteem, depression or anxiety;
- self-harm;
- substance misuse;
- changes in behaviour and appearance;
- unexplained possessions;
- refusal to enter certain areas;
- new nickname or starts to use tags/graffiti on books/possessions.
What to do
- Create an environment based on equality and informed choice – provide information to allow pupils to make informed choices. It is well established that success in learning is one of the most powerful indicators in the prevention of youth crime.
- Check young people have safe relationships – in their family, with their peers and with your staff. Create the 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 in relation to gangs and youth violence.
- Multi-agency working – work collaboratively with the police, local government, youth offending teams, health and probation services, to share data and information, and put in place 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.
Free gangs and youth violence poster
DSL Training Materials
-
Gangs and Youth Violence scenario (primary) – DSL Information sheet
-
Gangs and Youth Violence scenario (care settings) – DSL Information sheet
-
Gangs and Youth Violence scenario – Care Settings
-
Gangs and Youth Violence scenario (SEND focus) – DSL Information sheet
-
Gangs and Youth Violence scenario – SEND focus
-
Gangs and Youth Violence scenario (16+ settings) – DSL Information sheet
-
Gangs and Youth Violence scenario – 16+ Settings
-
Gangs and Youth Violence scenario (secondary) – DSL Information sheet
-
Gangs and Youth Violence scenario – Secondary Schools
-
Presentation
-
Gangs and Youth Violence scenario – Primary school
-
Gangs and Youth Violence scenario (EYFS settings) – DSL Information sheet
-
Gangs and Youth Violence scenario – EYFS Settings
-
Gangs and Youth Violence – Quiz (Answer Sheet)
-
Gangs and Youth Violence Quiz
-
Handout for staff
-
Presenter Notes
Resources
-
Power The Fight: Therapeutic Intervention for Peace (TIP) Report
-
Preventing and reducing serious violence: Draft Guidance for responsible authorities
-
Fearless
-
Anti-social media
Save time and improve your safeguarding approach…
Bite-size training materials to share with your staff every month.
Support to explore and develop your safeguarding culture.
A huge array of resources and professional experience at your fingertips.
Get in touch now for a personal tour of the site and details of membership benefits.
Memberships start at just £99+VAT a term.
We look forward to working with you.