Synopsis on Gang Article - Essay Example

“Knowledge is not only power, but prevention….”, this is the opening quote on an article about how schools in Maryland plan to educate their youth against joining gangs.  The article is titled "Schools combat gangs with awareness “   was recently published in a local newspaper in Annapolis. Indeed, schools today face complex challenges such as gang problems that jeopardize the security and safety of students. Many young people have already died due to gang-related wars.  Gang wars usually escalate to violence since their members are involved in criminal acts such as stealing or engaging in gunfights even with law enforcers. Because of these nefarious activities, schools in Maryland recognized the need to promote information campaigns regarding the dangers of belonging to a gang.

Although there is nothing wrong with searching for a social group, there are certain groups that can have a negative influence on one’s life such as gangs. Adolescents usually place a premium on their relationships with friends and peer pressure can make one succumb to doing misdemeanor. For this reason, it is important that a child or a student should be warned of the dangers of joining gangs.

The article cited the case of one student named Christopher Jones, who was killed by a neighborhood gang last year. The public outcry resulted in the involvement not only of the State Attorney’s Office but other public agencies as well. This time, even the schools addressed the issue through the program.   All the school administrators and educators agree that giving valuable and timely information would help the students in avoiding gang members as well as being affiliated with such groups.

Aside from the lectures about gangs, important issues that plague young people today such as stranger danger, internet safety, and sexual abuse would be incorporated in the discussions with elementary school students. As for the middle school and grade school, an in-depth discussion on gang activities and recruitment would be given. Emphasis would also be on the consequences of having a criminal record at a young age. Hopefully, such programs would be a deterrent in joining gangs.