What are the ages of underage youth gang members in the Philippines
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Ages of Underage Youth Gang Members in the Philippines
Youth Gang Membership in Tagbilaran City
In Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines, youth gang membership includes children both in school and out-of-school, who are particularly vulnerable to gang influence. A study focusing on this demographic surveyed 81 respondents who were members of various gangs in the city. The age range of these gang members was between 10 to 18 years old. This indicates that gang membership can start as early as 10 years old, encompassing a significant portion of adolescence.
Characteristics of Male Gang Members Aged 10 to 14
Another study examined the characteristics of male gang members from ages 10 to 14. This research highlighted that gang membership was stable particularly from ages 13 to 14, but less so at earlier ages. The study divided boys into three groups: stable gang members (those who belonged to a gang at ages 13 and 14), unstable gang members (those who belonged to a gang at either age 13 or 14), and nongang members. The findings showed that stable gang members exhibited higher levels of aggressive and delinquent behaviors compared to their nongang counterparts. This suggests that gang involvement can begin in early adolescence and may become more entrenched as children grow older.
Conclusion
The ages of underage youth gang members in the Philippines typically range from 10 to 18 years old, with a notable stability in gang membership observed from ages 13 to 14. These findings underscore the importance of early intervention and targeted support to prevent youth from joining gangs and to mitigate the adverse effects of gang involvement on young individuals and their communities.
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