Gangs are made up of a large “family”, which 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 protection. They live in the gang area and are in danger of violence from rival gangs, so they feel they need to be protected. Another reason they join gangs is for the brotherhood. When they have lack of communication or a bad home environment they look to the group because it shows them love and protection as if they were a family. They also band together for profit, recognition and dangerous activities. Before gang members join a gang, they commit a crime or go through a procedure such as being attacked by a group of other gang members. This procedure will test 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's name, graffiti, or crimes against rivals such as robberies, assaults, and the sale of narcotics. Gangs adopt neighborhood-relevant names such as street names, valley names, and occasionally regional names. As for gang members, they receive their nicknames when they are recruited. If the member doesn't already have one, the gang tends to create a name that fits the members' characteristics or appearance. Violence is a major part of gang activity. In the past, the weapons available were chains, knives and a homemade zip gun. Victims of gang violence were members of rival gangs or citizens linked to gang activity. Today they use rifles, automatic rifles, pistols and explosives. They are also killing innocents... middle of paper... not interrupting classes or activities, staying in school and keeping their grades high. Unfortunately parents are unaware of their children joining gangs and their dangerous activities and are unable to interfere 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 swearing or displaying gang names, slogans, signs and activities. Additionally, there may be hidden weapons. These are many things that make a gang and keep it together. Gangs make the world a different place 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 children safe.