Associated Risk Factors

5.f

* Risk factors predict increased risk for developing a problem or disorder. They also help determine the pathways that some children and adolescents take when they become involved in juvenile delinquency and gangs. However, the presence of specific risk factors does not guarantee the development of specific problem behaviors. Risk factors function in a cumulative fashion—the larger the number of risk factors, the greater the likelihood of a negative outcome, such as joining a gang. Still, risk factors do not cause youth to join gangs. Rather, they increase the probability that youth will join gangs.

• Living in an area with a high level of gang activity, drug/alcohol use,  available firearms
• Lack of a positive support system at home
• Violence against family members
• Exposure to TV shows, movies, and/or music that glorifies violence
• Lack of alternative activities, such as community youth programs
• Lack of positive role models
• Low self-esteem and/or a sense of hopelessness about the future
• Poor decision-making and communication skills
• Too much unsupervised free time 
• Poor school achievement
• Problematic child-parent relationship
• Lack of respect for authority (parents, teachers, law enforcement officers)
• Family members who are or were gang members 
• Peer Pressure
• Being bullied, and/or beat up