Talk to your teenager about street gangs and listen to his or her fears.

Encourage your teenager to find out more about the street gang phenomenon.

Teach your teenager about ways to avoid being intimidated or recruited.

Offer the protection, attention and support your teenager needs.

If you are worried about your child, ask for the help of a special resource, a police officer, a CLSC counsellor or a community leader.

Never minimize your teenager’s complaints about bullying or taxing.

Do not encourage verbal or physical violence as an acceptable means of defence.

Make sure you know where your child hangs out, at school and elsewhere.

Encourage your child to stay in school.

Encourage your child to participate in healthy, active social and physical activities, to promote positive socialization with other teens.

If your child runs away, report it immediately to the police to get help if your child’s safety is compromised.

Reinforce your child’s self-esteem by fostering his or her strengths and talents.

For more information, contact the community relations officers at your neighbourhood police station.

Pour en savoir +

"Your Child Is Important" brochure

This resource guide is given to all parents who meet with the police.

It contains the contact information for a number of organizations that provide help and support for parents whose children are involved in street gangs.

Major Portfolios