High School - Gang Prevention

High school age youth are motivated to join gangs to gain a sense of connection, to define a sense of who they are, because of peer pressure, out of a need to protect themselves, or to make money. It is important to teach gang prevention strategies to teens and young adults and help them avoid gangs. Gang-involved youth are more likely to engage in substance abuse and high-risk behavior. The long-term effects of gang involvement can be severe, including health and social consequences such as becoming a school dropout or teen parent, experiencing unstable employment, and increased family problems. Provide high school students with ARISE Life skills lessons for gang prevention to help them stay away from gangs.