- Published: September 27, 2022
- Updated: September 27, 2022
- Level: Masters
- Language: English
- Downloads: 38
Synopsis on Gang Article “ Knowledge is not only power, but prevention….” , this is the opening quote on an article about howschools in Maryland plan to educate its youth against joining gangs. The article is titled ” Schools combat gangs with awareness “ was recently published in a local newspaper in Annapolis. Indeed, schools today face complex challenges such as gang problems that jeopardize the security and safety of students. Many young people have already died due to gang-related wars. Gang wars usually escalate to violence since its members are involved in criminal acts such as stealing or engaging in gun-fights even with law enforcers. Because of these nefarious activities, schools in Maryland recognized the need to promote information campaign regarding the dangers of belonging to a gang.
The program that would be implemented is called ” What You Dont Know Can Hurt You,” and it will be taught to students in fifth through 12th grades since these are the years that young people usually develop a social need to belong. Although there is nothing wrong in searching for a social group, there are certain groups that can have a negative influence to one’s life such as gangs. Adolescents usually place a premium on their relationships with friends and peer pressure can make one succumb to doing misdemeanor. For this reason, it is important that a child or a student should be warned of the dangers behind joining gangs.
The article cited the case of one student named Christopher Jones, who was killed by a neighborhood gang last year. The public outcry resulted to the involvement not only of the State Attorney’s Office but other public agencies as well. This time, even the schools addressed the issue through the program. All the school administrators and educators agree that giving valuable and timely information would help the students in avoiding gang members as well as being affiliated with such groups.
Aside from the lectures about gangs, important issues that plague young people today such as stranger danger, internet safety and sexual abuse would be incorporated in the discussions with elementary school students. As for the middle school and grade school, an in-depth discussion on gang activities and recruitment would be given. Emphasis would also be on the consequences of having a criminal record at a young age. Hopefully, such programs would be a deterrent in joining gangs.
Some years ago, this state did not imagine having this kind of problem since gang problems usually happen on the West Coast; however, times have really changed and the state has to adopt to such changes. Media has played a big role in romanticizing the glory of gang members and gang wars. Indeed, the educational system has to step up before it’s too late. In the first place, education should be the main transmitter of values in a society.
Work Cited:
HULETTE, ELISABETH. ” Schools combat gangs with awareness • Schools (www. HometownAnnapolis. com – The Capital).” Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, News, Sports, Features, Information, Entertainment, Events (www. HometownAnnapolis. com – The Capital). N. p., 23 Feb. 2010. Web. 1 Mar. 2010. .