B.C. Schools Combat Gang Recruitment as New Year Begins

As students in British Columbia return to school, parents are being urged to remain vigilant against the growing threat of gang recruitment targeting young individuals. According to Kathleen Hughes, a career counsellor at Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS), gangs are increasingly focusing on youth as young as 13 years old, with some even younger being drawn into their activities.

The executive director of Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers, Linda Annis, highlighted that gangs are actively seeking new recruits, particularly among vulnerable children. “Often, it is youth that aren’t fitting in with other teams, kids that aren’t involved in sports, and sometimes new Canadians whose parents may be preoccupied with work,” Annis stated. She emphasized that these youths are at a heightened risk of being targeted by gangs.

Programs and Prevention Efforts

To combat this alarming trend, organizations like PICS are implementing multi-agency programs aimed at preventing youth gang violence. Hughes advises families to be on the lookout for signs of gang involvement, such as unexplained gifts or expensive items. “It is really important for families to be aware and watch for signs. For instance, where are they getting the money to buy those really nice pairs of sneakers?” she noted.

Similarly, the KidsPlay Foundation is actively working to divert youth from gang involvement through educational presentations. Founder and CEO Kal Dosanjh shared insights from a former high-level gang member from California, who indicated that gangs often recruit children from dysfunctional family backgrounds. “These children are impressionable and can be easily moulded,” Dosanjh explained.

Parents are encouraged to report any suspicious behavior to local authorities as the school year progresses. Both PICS and KidsPlay Foundation are committed to engaging youth with positive activities, such as sports and educational programs. Dosanjh remarked, “Keeping kids engaged with constructive outlets can significantly reduce their chances of getting involved in drugs, gangs, and crime.”

As the new academic year unfolds, the collaboration of community organizations, families, and law enforcement aims to create a safer environment for young people in British Columbia. Awareness and proactive measures are crucial in safeguarding the future of children at risk of gang recruitment.