Parents should be aware of gang identifiers

Apr. 18—The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice receives many inquiries from concerned parents and families on youth gang activities and teenage behavioral health issues each year. Therefore, DJJ prepares a monthly Question and Answer column.

Q: I have concerns that my teenage son may have joined a street gang. What are the signs of gang affiliation, and what can I do to get him out?

A: Signs of gang membership include many different identifiers, including using a slang name, hand gestures, symbols, tattoos, graffiti or repetitive color clothing. If you believe your child may be associated with a street gang, explain the consequences of gang association and consult a school counselor.

Q: I have noticed an increase in teenage girls loitering near my business. Could this be human trafficking?

A: The Georgia Attorney General's Office is committed to protecting our most vulnerable and prosecuting those who seek to abuse and exploit Georgia's children for sex. What you are witnessing could be human trafficking, so we suggest calling Georgia's Statewide 24-Hour Human Trafficking Hotline at (866) 363-4842.

Q: There have been incidents of bullying involving social media at my daughter's school. I am concerned that she is being bullied. I have been vigilant in trying to monitor her social media accounts. However, there are many ways for kids to get around the controls. Can her school do anything about this?

A: The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) offers a Bullying Prevention Resource on its website. Visit GaDOE at www.gadoe.org, then search for "Bullying Prevention."

Please email the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice any gang or behavior/mental health questions to publicaffairs@djj.state.ga.us.

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