Gangs – Basic 1 Security Education Lesson Note (Third Term)

A gang is a group of people who do bad things together. Gang members hurt other people and break rules and laws, so gangs are very dangerous. Street gangs, school gangs and cult groups are types of gang. Children can avoid gangs by choosing good friends, saying no, and telling parents or teachers.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• say what a gang is
• name the types of gangs
• list signs that show someone is in a gang
• give effects and dangers of joining a gang
• describe ways to avoid gangs
• say what to do if they see gang activity

What is a gang?

• A gang is a group of people
• They do bad things together
• They hurt other people
• They break rules and laws
• Gangs are very dangerous

What are the types of gangs?

Street gangs

• Groups of older boys or men
• They fight other groups
• They steal from people
• They cause trouble in the community

School gangs (bullies)

• Groups of students who bully others
• They force children to give them money or food
• They beat up other children
• They make school unsafe

Cult groups (for older students)

• Very dangerous groups
• They do very bad things
• They hurt people seriously
• Never join them!

How can you identify a gang?

Signs that show someone is in a gang:

• They dress the same way
• They use secret signs
• They bully other children
• They steal things
• They skip school
• They fight a lot
• They disobey teachers and parents

What are the effects and dangers of joining a gang?

You will get in trouble

• You can be arrested by police
• You can be suspended from school
• Your parents will be very sad

You can get hurt

• Gang members fight
• You can be injured badly
• You can be beaten up

You will hurt others

• Gangs hurt innocent people
• You don’t want to hurt others
• This is very wrong

You will lose good friends

• Good children will avoid you
• You will only have bad friends
• You will be lonely

You will fail in school

• Gang members don’t study
• You will fail your exams
• You won’t have a good future

You can go to prison

• For very serious crimes
• You can be locked up
• You will lose your freedom

You can die

• Gang fights are dangerous
• People get killed in gang violence
• This is very serious

You will disappoint your parents

• Your parents work hard for you
• Being in a gang will make them cry
• They will be very sad

How can you avoid gangs?

Choose good friends

• Make friends with good children
• Friends who study and behave well
• Friends who respect others

Say NO to gangs

• If someone asks you to join a gang
• Say “NO! I don’t want to”
• Walk away

Tell your parents or teachers

• If someone is forcing you to join a gang
• Tell an adult immediately
• They will protect you

Avoid bad company

• Stay away from children who do bad things
• Don’t hang out with troublemakers
• Your friends influence you

Stay busy with good activities

• Join sports teams
• Join school clubs
• Study hard
• Help at home

Listen to your parents

• Your parents want the best for you
• Follow their advice
• Come home on time

Be confident to stand alone

• You don’t need to join a gang to be strong
• You are strong by yourself
• Be brave to say NO

Focus on your education

• Study hard
• Have dreams for your future
• Gangs will destroy your dreams

What should you do if you see gang activity?

• Don’t go near them
• Walk away quietly
• Tell your parents or teacher
• Don’t try to stop them yourself
• Let adults handle it

What is the difference between good groups and bad groups?

Good groups

• School clubs
• Sports teams
• Church and mosque youth groups
• Boy Scouts and Girl Guides
• Study groups

These are good groups that help you grow!

Bad groups

• Gangs that fight
• Groups that steal
• Groups that bully others
• Secret dangerous groups

Stay away from these!

Remember

• You are special
• You have a bright future
• Don’t let gangs destroy your life
• Choose the right path
• Make your parents proud

Evaluation

Multiple choice exercise. Choose the correct answer.

1. A gang is a group that does _____ things.
   • a) good
   • b) bad
   • c) nice
2. Gang members _____ other people.
   • a) help
   • b) hurt
   • c) love
3. If someone asks you to join a gang, say _____.
   • a) YES
   • b) MAYBE
   • c) NO
4. Gangs can make you _____ in school.
   • a) pass
   • b) fail
   • c) happy
5. We should tell our _____ if someone forces us to join a gang.
   • a) nobody
   • b) parents or teachers
   • c) gang members

Assignment

1. Write: Gangs are dangerous.
2. Tell your parents about what you learned about gangs.
3. List three effects of joining gangs.
4. Draw yourself with good friends doing good things.
5. Promise yourself: “I will never join a gang.”