Gangs Lifebabble

Hey, Lifebabblers.

Today, we're talking gangs -

what it means to be in a gang

and whether it's a positive or negative part of your life.

It's fun to belong to a group,

do the same sort of things, maybe dress the same way,

have cool rules to follow or a special high five.

So your gang is great, it helps form your identity,

you have great mates - brilliant!

But not all gangs are positive.

Gangs that make other people feel afraid,

do wrong things or put other people at risk are negative gangs.

PHONE RINGS

I like to hang out with a group of friends, kind of like a gang.

We get along and we share and we just have fun,

but gangs aren't always good, because we can be a bit exclusive,

not letting everyone join in.

My group of friends support each other through everything,

cheer each other up when we're sad and always make each other laugh.

That is a positive gang.

I have a group of friends that I've known since high school that

I hang out with. We have a lot of fun together.

Some gangs are groups of people involved in crime.

That's not really good for anyone around them really.

Gangs that hurt and intimidate others, I don't like them,

but I see why some people might join them.

They might feel isolated or have problems going on at home

making them want to live that lifestyle.

It's natural to be part of a group,

to hang out together, feel like part of a family,

but it's important to recognise the boundaries.

Gangs can be harmful.

A gang that you have to join and can't leave,

that requires you to behave in a certain way,

to do things you don't want to do and you know are wrong,

this gang is not safe and could be harmful to you and others.

If you're afraid of being in a gang or afraid of others,

speak to someone you trust.

PHONE RINGS

Gangs make us feel really nervous and worried.

There is a local gang that hang round the park that I go

past to go to school and I try and avoid going past there.

To bake a positive gang of friends, you need...

I like sharing.

There are ingredients that'll make your bake go all wrong, so avoid...

Gently mix, put into shapes and bake,

and here's some I made earlier.

Delicious! A baked gang of good friends.

Trust your instincts.

How does a group really make you feel?

We all have those internal alarm bells

that let us know when something's not quite right

and when you feel uncomfortable. Alarm bell - listen to it.

Maybe something just makes you feel awkward - warning sign.

If you don't feel safe - red card.

A group should accept you and make you feel happy and safe.

If it doesn't feel right - warning sign, red card.

Then you know it's not the right gang or group to be in.

-RAPS:

-# Friends respect one another

# Yours should respect you

# But what happens when they bully you?

# You have to pick

# Do I do what's right or stay friends?

# I need to make that decision

# But real friends wouldn't put you in that crazy position

# So show strength You rule and your friends

# You choose So be a friend

# The type of person that is always true

# You might have a huge group or just select a few

# It don't matter

# All that matters is they're friends with you. #

That's all for this Lifebabble.

If you need to know more about staying safe with those you

hang out with, head to the CBBC website.

See you next time.