Anti-gang guidance from government offered to schools

Anti-social and aggressive behaviour can be signs of gang involvement

Schools in England are being issued with new guidance on how to spot signs that children are involved with gangs.

Teachers, youth workers and children's social workers will be given the guidance, which includes tips on what to do if they suspect gang involvement.

The advice is aimed at stopping young people falling into a "downward spiral of violence, substance abuse and anti-social behaviour", ministers say.

It will be published ahead of an anti-knife crime week in schools next week.

People who work with children and teenagers are being told to look out for signs such as persistent offending, inability to control emotions and behaviour, physical violence and aggression, permanent exclusion from school and drug and alcohol misuse.

Knife crime

Schools Minister Vernon Coaker said: "We are determined to give professionals the support and advice they need to act earlier, so they can prevent young people falling into the downward spiral of violence, substance misuse and anti-social behaviour.

"We want the early identification of these signs to become commonplace in schools and youth centres across the country as we aim to put an end to serious youth violence."

Mr Coaker will give details of the guidance later at a conference on youth violence.

"Next week we will speak to hundreds of young people about the impact of knife crime and violence and to listen to their concerns and ideas to end the problems," he added.

The guidance is aimed at early identification of children at risk of becoming involved with gangs.

It outlines what action professionals should take if they feel a child is at risk, including making referrals to social workers, police or charities.

It also offers advice on supporting a whole family to prevent young people from getting involved in a gang.

The anti-knife crime week is supported by Families Utd, which represents the families of victims of knife crime.

Ministers and families from the campaign group will visit schools to urge young people to join a campaign against knife crime.