NCJ Number
147202
Journal
Education Digest Volume: 52 Dated: (February 1987) Pages: 30-33
Date Published
1987
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article suggests policies and programs that schools might use to reduce gangs' influence on school life and order.
Abstract
Among the most ominous trends in gangs activity is drug dealing. With drug dealing comes a greater potential for violence. What happens on the streets can happen in the schools. Graffiti may appear on school property, and more students fights may occur. Other gang-related activities in schools include intimidation of students, pressure on kids to join gangs, bullying, assaults, and increased drug dealing. The key to an effective school antigang program is a strong principal. In selecting principals for particular schools, the school board must be aware of gang problems in the community that should be addressed by the principal in the school environment. A strong principal, however, is not always sufficient. Sometimes, schools must upgrade security. Some school boards have had to bolster school security with police patrols. Other boards insist that students disperse quickly at dismissal time to prevent gang members from congregating and preying on other students. Buoyed by evidence that antigang efforts are working, some school officials are optimistic that, desptie the spread of gang activity, schools can stay on top of the problem.