GANG PREVENTION AND CHILDREN   There are approximately 40-60 gangs in Broward County.  Boys and girls as young as 7 years old are recruited to join.  The average age is 14-24 years old.  Members come from all walks of life, culture, income, religions, and races.   TEACH YOUR CHILDREN If gang members approach them, the best response is to walk away. Warn them not to respond with the same gesture. The gang members may be “false flagging,” using the sign of a rival gang. The response could be a violent one.   It’s possible, if there is gang activity in your area, that your children may become involved. Often, parents don’t recognize their children’s gang activity until it is too late.  Hard-core members are strongly tied to drug use, sexual activity, violence and crime. It’s a difficult cycle to break, but parents can protect their children from a gang’s influence.   SIGNS THAT YOUR CHILD MIGHT BE IN A GANG   Ø  CHANGES IN THEIR TYPE OF FRIENDS. Ø  USING UNUSUAL HAND SIGNS, HANDSHAKES, NICKNAMES, OR STREET LANGUAGE. Ø  SECRETIVENESS ABOUT ACTIVITIES Ø  LOSING INTEREST IN SCHOOL OR FAMILY Ø  GANG SYMBOLS (I.E. CRONS; THREE, FIVE, OR SIX POINTED STARS; TRIDENTS OR PITCHFORKS, ETC.) ON SCHOOL BOOKS OR CLOTHING. Ø  CANS OF SPRAY PAINT, MARKERS, OR PAINT ON THEIR HANDS THAT CAN’T BE EXPLAINED. SPRAY PAINT IS USED TO “TAG” A GANG’S TERRITORY. Ø  CHANGES IN DRESS HABITS, SUCH AS WEARING THE SAME COLOR COMBINATION ALL THE TIME OR REFUSING TO WEAR CERTAIN COLORS. SUDDEN INTEREST IN SPORTS CLOTHING WHEN NO INTEREST IN ATHLETICS PREVIOUSLY EXISTED. Ø  ALL THEIR FRIENDS WEAR THE SAME COLORS, BANDANNAS, HAIRSTYLE, JEWELRY, TILTED HATS, OR DISTINTIVE CLOTHING STYLE, SUCH AS ONE PANT LEG ROLLED UP. Ø  TATTOOS. Ø  STRINGS OF BEADS (RED, BLUE, BALCK, WHITE, AND YELLOW). DIFFERENT CONFIGRATIONS REPRESENT SPECIFIC GANGS. Ø  EXTRA CASH OR POSSESSIONS FROM UNKNOWN SOURCES. Ø  FREQUENTLY BRUISED OR INJURED. Ø  CARRYING GUNS, KNIVES, OR OTHER WEAPONS. Ø  BEING ARRESTED OR DETAINED BY THE POLICE.   IF YOU NOTICE THESE PATTERNS YOU CAN GET HELP.   ASPIRA OF BROWARD                                                              954-981-9221 Youth leaders against crime and violence.   HENDERSON MENTAL HEALTH Violence Prevention Program                                            954-731-5100 x3085 Prevention program includes age-appropriate classroom presentations and activities, training to school staff and monthly violence prevention family night open to all students and their families. J   SAFETY TOWN UNIVERSITY                                        954-985-3435 x6921 Provides for 5th and 6th graders Police Station which includes a uniformed police officer which teaches kids about guns, gang awareness, drug prevention and how to diffuse potentially violent situations.