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Build Strong Connections

  • Start the Conversation
  • Build Strong Connections
  • Protective Factors
  • Parent Workshops
  • empowered brain icon

    Empower yourself with knowledge about current youth issues

    Young people have a hard time talking to their parents about tough topics. We encourage you to learn more about current issues so you can start the conversation to strengthen connections and reduce risk. 

    Start the Conversation
  • time icon

    Spend quality time with your young person

    Learn more about your child's interests and build meaningful connections. We know that youth who lack attachment to positive adult role models are more vulnerable for attaching to negative peer groups.  

    Build Strong Connections
  • hands together

    Encourage a strong connection to school

    A lack of attachment to school and academic success is a significant risk factor for youth gang involvement. Learn more about your child's interests in school and encourage pro-social activities such as sports and clubs.

    Build Strong Connections
  • prosocial activities icon

    Encourage participation in positive social activities after school 

    We know that youth who lack access to pro-social activities and positive role models during the critical after school hours of 3PM to 6PM are more vulnerable for negative behaviour including gang recruitment.  Pro-social activity can include sport programs, clubs, and volunteering.

    Check out Programs and Resources
  • social media icon

    Learn more about how your youth uses social media

    Understand common trends and slang that could indicate risk-taking behaviour. Social media can be used to recruit young people into gangs and promote myths about the gang lifestyle. Create safe spaces to talk about risks and seek professional resources when needed.

    Gangs use of social media
  • alarm icon

    Know your child's friends and their families

    Youth are driven by the desire to be accepted among their peers and establish an identity for themselves among their peers. We know that negative peer groups and family members who have gang ties strongly influence a youth's participation in gangs. 

    Learn about risk factors
  • communicate icon

    Foster open and honest communication

    Parent-child conflict is one of the most common risk factors identified in high-risk cases of the Children and Youth At-Risk Table (CHART). As such, we know that building strong relationships with your child is an important part of reducing their risk especially when it comes to approaching difficult topics. 

    Youth Truth
  • danger icon

    Talk about the real consequences and dangers of gang involvement

    A child from any race, socio-economic status, or neighbourhood may be recruited into gangs or become the victim of gang violence. Because media may glorify gang life through music, video games, and movies, it is important to access professional resources that can help guide your conversations. 

    Dangers of gang involvement
  • connections

    Identify risk factors

    If your child is presenting risk factors, the Surrey Anti-Gang Family Empowerment (SAFE) Program is here to help. Contact us to learn more about available services for your child and family.

    Risk Factors and Warning Signgs
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communitysafety@surrey.ca

13450 - 104 Avenue
Surrey, BC, Canada
V3T 1V8

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