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Home > Articles

My child’s in a gang – what now?

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Your child may be scared or unwilling to discuss their involvement. It is important that they know you are available to listen and support them. Be clear that they have a choice even when they may think they don’t.

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  • Stay calm and rational, however upset you are

  • Ask questions, rather than making accusations or statements

  • Listen carefully to what your child says without interrupting

  • Try to understand the situation from their point of view

  • Ask them what you can do to help rather than telling them what to do

  • Try to come to an agreement about what to do next and work with them to find alternatives

  • Involve other members of the family (if appropriate)

  • Try not to intimidate or threaten

  • Talk to their friend’s parents – if you are concerned, they probably are too.

  • Seek advice and further support - see useful contacts section below

You may feel desperate to search their room for evidence. While children do have the right to privacy, particularly as they grow older, if you suspect they may have a weapon it’s vital to check. A knife or gun in the house puts the entire family in danger, particularly younger children who may get hold of it. If you find a weapon you must call the police, who will remove it safely. There will be consequences for your child, but the safety of your family and those around you is vital.

The Law

If your child carries a gun or knife, they could be arrested; this could lead to going to court, going to prison and will result in a criminal record. Having a criminal record can prevent them from getting a job, going to university or college and even travelling abroad. A criminal record will affect the rest of their life.

  • It is illegal to carry a knife if there is intent to use it as a weapon, even if it belongs to someone else. The sentence for possessing a knife in a public place without a good reason has been increased from 2 to 4 years.

  • It is illegal to buy a knife if you are under 18.

  • It is illegal to keep any prohibited firearm, or to carry any firearm – including an imitation – in public, even if you are carrying it for someone else. The sentence for unlawful possession of a prohibited firearm is 3 years for 16 – 17 year olds and 5 years for adults.

  • It is illegal to hold any offensive weapon including a taser or CS gas or ammunition.

  • Police can and will search someone if they are believed to be carrying a gun, knife or any other weapon. Police and school staff can also search young people at school.

  • If offenders operate in a group or gangs, this is considered an aggravating factor and may lead to a longer sentence.

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