Gangs are made up of a large “family” that includes men, women and children. Children as young as seven or nine were recruited into the gang. Gang members join gangs for many reasons, including for protection. They live in the gang zone and are exposed to violence from rival gangs and therefore feel they need to be protected. Another reason they join gangs is brotherhood. When they lack communication or have a bad home environment, they turn to the gang because it shows them love and protection as if they were family. They also join for profit, recognition and for dangerous activities. Before gang members join a gang, they commit a crime or follow a procedure such as getting jumped by a group of other gang members. This procedure well tests their courage and fighting skills. A gang has a leader who is the strongest and most active member. Gangs lay claim to a specific part of the neighborhood or territory and are recognized by the gang name, graffiti, or crimes against rivals such as robberies, assaults, and drug sales. Gangs adopt names that are relevant to their neighborhoods, such as street names, valley names, and sometimes regional names. As for gang members, they receive their nicknames when they are recruited. If the member does not already have one, the gang tends to create a name that matches their characteristics or appearance. Violence constitutes a large part of the gang's activity. Back then, the choice of weapons was limited to chains, knives and a homemade zip gun. Victims of gang violence were members of rival gangs or citizens connected to gang activities. Today they use shotguns, automatic rifles, handguns and explosives. They also kill innocent people... middle of paper... don't disrupt classes or activities, also stay in school and keep their grades up. Unfortunately, parents are unaware that their children are joining gangs and their dangerous activities and cannot intervene because it is too late. There are noticeable changes in the child's behavior or activities, such as low grades in school, truancy, different friend groups, poor family ties, and late hours. Telltale signs of a gang may be lots of swearing or insults or the display of gang names, slogans, insignia and activities. Additionally, there may be hidden weapons. It's many things that make up a gang and keep them together. Gangs make the world different with violence and drugs. Young children are easily influenced by these gangs and it is important for parents to recognize these types of activities to keep their child safe..