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Yahoo!How could a 14-year-old child stab another to death? The reality is there is an ongoing animosity between rival gangs in Santa Barbara. Young children are witnessing and becoming involved in violent conflicts each day. Many have seen unimaginable acts by their teenage years. Reports may tend to place blame for gang criminal activity on individual children, but we must recognize the problem as a societal one.
No matter how we look at it, we must remember they are just kids! They are troubled children who have taken to a life of violence. During the last week, the victim’s friends have been grieving the loss of their friend, fearful of future violence. Many students have asked to stay in the school building for fear of what will happen on the streets when they leave. Some have accepted the possibility that they may be the next victim or that they will be responsible for avenging the death of their “homie.”
Research suggests many kids involved with gangs have reported low self-esteem, psychosocial health issues, and ethnic identity problems. Many of these kids have little confidence in academic skills and are less likely to feel they have a purpose in life. Gang members often cannot easily identify goals and lack confidence in attaining any positive milestone, such as graduating from high school. Thus, joining a gang may give a sense of belonging that mainstream society does not.
When talking to gang-involved youth, it quickly becomes apparent the decision they make at a young age is a choice they live with for the rest of their lives. On a number of occasions, various teens have said, “The only way to get out is to move out of town, and I can’t afford that, so I am stuck here, constantly looking over my shoulder.” Other gang members have expressed an interest in having children so they can stay home and raise the child rather than being on the streets “gang-banging.” It is alarming that our youth perceive these as options for better lives.
In order to help these and future children in Santa Barbara, this issue must be addressed in the home, school, and community. If we can band together to provide our children with the support and care they need, we can prevent a great deal of the violence. Many, however, are struggling to access the children in need without the support of the larger Santa Barbara community. Some ways to re-engage these children include the following:
Community
• Provide free, fun, and safe structured activities for students to get involved in, particularly after school.
• Develop mentorship programs in order for the students to connect and develop relationships with adults whom they can look up to.
• Help these kids find jobs! We may have a bias against kids with shaved heads and baggy pants, but they may be the hardest-working employee at the establishment. If they can secure a job, they will feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in themselves leading to more positive behaviors.
School
• Recognize kids who may be at risk and provide them and their families with additional support.
• Promote bonding though the development of after-school activities, programs, and clubs.
• Rather than taking punitive actions, such as suspensions and sending kids to the office, reinforce positive behaviors.
• Find something students are successful at and help students showcase their talents.
Home
• Make parenting classes available to all parents.
• Parents should consistently monitor their children’s behavior.
• Create a home/school communication system so parents can stay informed.
By helping students contribute to society, they can develop a sense of belonging and pride. If they feel like they belong, they will be less likely to be destructive. If we can work together, we can save our children and the community from future heartbreak.
For an expanded version of this article, see independent.com’s Getting Education column, which is written biweekly by the faculty and students of UCSB’s Gevirtz Graduate School of Education.
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