Youth gangs are not a new phenomena in the United States; however, in the past decade the number of gang members has increased dramatically. Gang prevention-intervention programs are a necessary part of every school's curriculum. Students join gangs for a variety of reasons ranging from boredom to intent on criminal behavior. One characteristic that connects most gang members together is that they have voids in their lives that are filled by joining a gang. Gangs are able to provide young adults with a sense of belonging and self-worth, two things that many dysfunctional families are no longer providing to the youth of today. Street graffiti consisting of crosses, Roman numerals, numbers, and scroll letters act as most gangs' communication. While many view gangs in a homogeneous light, there are significant differences among black, Hispanic, Asian, and white gangs. However, most gangs, regardless of racial makeup, have a chain of command with a clear leader. Listed are common gang identifiers, myths about gangs, 25 conflict-prevention strategies, and 13 gang-prevention strategies for parents. (Contains 50 references.) (KDP)