This is Part Two of the blog "Teens Stay Away from Gangs."  It will address why teens join gangs and how to avoid them. 

Being in a gang is not what it's cracked up to be.  Think about it.  You take orders from someone else.  Do you really want to give your power away to someone?  Who has the right to tell you what to do?  It's interesting that teens join gangs because most teens can't stand it when their parents tell them what to do.  But yet, teens join gangs where the leader and second in commands will tell you what to do.  Go figure!

Why join a gang?

Many teens join gangs because they want a sense of belonging.  Parents are usually self-absorbed or into drugs and alcohol.  Teens don't have good role models anyone that gives a damn about them.  Gangs come across as "family" who will do whatever it takes to protect their own.  And, they mean anything.  They have no problem taking out rival gang members.  Depending on which state you live in, you could face 20 to life for murder.  Does that sound good if you're 16 years-old?  Think about that before you join a gang.  You'll be putting your life on the line.

How to avoid gangs

Don't get caught up in school fights.  Go to the local youth center, church program, or library after school.  Take part in extracurricular activities that keep you at school under the watchful eye of teachers and coaches.  Many gang members are just looking for a sense of belonging.  Perhaps if they had something to do after school, they wouldn't be in gangs.

It sucks if you have to be on your own after school, I get it.  I was a "latch-key" kid which means mom and dad were not home when I got home.  I came home to empty house and the dog.  My parents were working to keep a roof over my head, food in my stomach, and clothes on my back.  I was very fortunate that my parents weren't strung out on drugs.  However, my father had a drinking problem, but I dealt with that they best I could.  I made the decision not to get into trouble because I knew the consequences I would face if I did.  And, I'm not talking about gang related consequences.  My mom and dad would have ripped me a new one if I got into trouble!  Plus, going to a juvenile detention center wasn't appealing to me.

Teens stay away from gangs.  Find something to do after school.  Here's a tip:  do your homework and read!  Go to the local YMCA/YWCA, youth center, or library.  Get involved at school and join extracurricular activities if you can.  Seek out adults who'll be there for you when your parents are at work or are not around to care for you.   Remember you have a choice.  You can either make something of yourself or you can go down a path that can lead you to an early grave or life in prison.  The choice is yours.  Make sure you think about that before you decide to join a gang.

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