Back to School Shopping

Shopping for “Back-to-School” clothes can be an exciting and exhausting time for both parents and students.  While many elementary and middle or junior high schools have adopted uniform policies, many high schools allow students to wear “regular” clothes, as long as they comply with certain dress code guidelines. 

Here are a few warning signs that may indicate gang involvement: 

1.       Unusual interest in a particular color of clothing or logo – Gangs may use specific colors to identify themselves.  Well known colors are red for Bloods, blue for Crips, and yellow for Latin Kings.  However, local gangs who have no allegiance to the national gangs may also use specific identifying colors.  Children who obsess over having all their clothing be a specific color may be involved in gang activity.  The same holds true for specific logos and clothing of sport teams.  Popular symbols include 5 and 6 pointed stars, pitchforks, and crowns.

   2.       Changes in hair style – While getting a specific gang name cut into the hair is an obvious sign, there are more subtle ways.  Children may use various designs, such as stars, to indicate gang affiliation.  However, these types of symbols are also very popular.  Children may also cut specific numbers of lines in each side of the head to represent dominant numbers, for example, 1 line on one side and 3 lines on the other to represent the number 13.  These types of cuts can also be placed on the eyebrows to send similar messages.  See story here.

3.       Personalized or location specific clothing – Stores now sell clothing specific to neighborhoods or states.  While the music industry popularizes this clothing, so do the gangs.  They adopt the mindset, numbers, and slogans symbolized in the shirts.  Students also honor fallen friends or family members through memorial or “RIP” shirts.  Many of these contain gang symbols in the pictures, numbers, and words. 

     

      4.       Accessories – When dress codes and uniform policies are put in place, gangs adapt.  Students will attempt to display their affiliation through accessories, which schools often fail to address.  Parents need to be aware of what their children are wearing as they leave the house.  Beaded necklaces, hats, fabric belts with metal buckles, shoelaces, and bandanas are common ways for gang colors to be displayed. 

Gang clothing trends change and may be different from one place to another, so clothing alone may not be enough to indicate a child’s affiliation with a particular gang, though it can be a clue.  Contact your local police or sheriff’s department to get specific information on the meaning of unidentifiable symbols or numbers that you may see in graffiti or clothing in your area.  If you fear that your child is involved, talk with them.  Let them know that these clothing items can put them in danger and that you will not purchase them or allow them to be worn.  Be the parent!