ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Gangs in the United Kingdom

Okay, imagine you have a big group of friends who all wear the same clothes and hang out together. They might have their own secret ways of talking and things they like to do. Usually, this is a good thing because they have each other’s backs and make each other feel safe and happy.

Unfortunately, some groups of friends can turn into gangs that do not follow the rules and can cause trouble for other people. This can happen in the United Kingdom too. These gangs might wear a certain color or symbol, use secret language or hand signs, and even commit crimes like stealing, fighting, or selling drugs.

Gang members might feel like they need to belong somewhere or they might want to feel powerful or be able to make money. However, being in a gang is very dangerous and can get you into a lot of trouble with the police and even hurt or killed by other gangs.

The good news is that there are people working to stop gang activity and help young people make better choices. The police can arrest gang members who break the law and organizations like charities can offer support and advice to young people who might be thinking about joining a gang. It is important to remember that being in a gang is never the right choice and there are always other ways to feel accepted and successful.