Early warning signs: Youth and gang involvement

With the start of a new school year, Surrey Schools reminds families about the various district anti-gang programs and supports available, as well as the warning signs to watch for if you are concerned your child may be involved in unsafe activity.

Safe Schools Manager Sarah McKay says having a positive and open line of communication with your child early can be an important part in ensuring they feel comfortable talking about what’s going on in their lives.

“It’s never too early to build that relationship,” she said. “If you can encourage them to be open about what they’re doing and who they’re hanging out with then you’ll be able to spot any warning signs early on.”

McKay said parents who may suspect their youth may be missing school can contact the school office directly to inquire about attendance. 

“Students can sometimes get creative about intercepting those absence calls made to home and so any parents who suspect their child might be missing classes can check in with the school for an update.” 

Warning signs of gang-involvement

Regardless of a young person’s age or background, gangs are always looking to recruit members for illicit activities. Here are some common warning signs parents can watch for if they suspect their child may be shifting into a concerning pattern of behaviour:

• Grades and attendance dropping at school
• Relationships with parents deteriorating
• Extreme changes in attitude
• Staying out late with new friends
• A newfound sense of secrecy
• Acquiring possessions that parents didn’t pay for
• A new job with no proof of employment (i.e. no paycheque, etc.)

It can sometimes be difficult to determine if your child or youth is becoming involved with illicit or gang activities, but know that there are numerous resources available to provide guidance and assistance in your community. 

District anti-gang resources

• Protecting Safe Schools Together (PSST): A Surrey Schools website with dedicated learning and awareness resources on topics like gangs, substance abuse and bullying. Featuring first-hand accounts, myths vs realities and other resources, the page is also a tool for students and parents to report any suspicious or concerning behaviour.
   
• Wraparound Program (WRAP): a partnership program along with the City of Surrey and the Surrey RCMP, the program’s objective is to positively attach youth to school, their community and the home by building a trusting and positive relationship.
   
• Mini Code Blue: A partnership program with the Surrey RCMP that targets children in Grades 5-7 by focusing on citizenship, care and collective impact through lunchtime activities.
   
• Safe Schools Liaisons: Each secondary school has a liaison dedicated to helping with safety related issues. They can help connect youth in need with specific safety resources, help find a classroom for a youth in need or just be there to talk to if there’s something bothering you.

The district is also partnering with the City of Surrey, local law enforcement and other community groups to offer a series of upcoming Empower parent workshops aimed at informing parents on how they can recognize and address risk factors and warning signs:

• Thursday, Oct. 5: Sunnyside Elementary
• Saturday, Oct. 7: Newton Recreation Centre (Punjabi session, childminding included)
• Wednesday, Oct. 11: AJ McLellan Elementary
• Tuesday, Oct. 17: Old Yale Elementary
• Wednesday, Nov. 8: Fraser Heights Secondary
• Tuesday, Nov. 14: Princess Margaret Secondary
• Saturday, Nov. 18: Guildford Library

For more information on Empower Surrey Parent Workshops and to register to attend, click here.

Other important community resources

The Surrey RCMP Parent Helpline (604-599-7800): To assists parents who suspect their child may be involved in illegal activities.

• Surrey RCMP programs and initiatives: Family & Youth Resource Support Team (FYRST), Project Lavender and Shattering the Image.
  
  
• Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC (CFSEU) End Gang Life website: A site with resources illustrating the myths and realities of gang life, booklets and comics on youth and gangs and information on gang exiting and intervention.

For more information on detecting problematic behaviour, and for more tools on how you can keep your children safe, please visit psst-bc.ca and cfseu.bc.ca/end-gang-life, or reach out to your child’s school.