Causes and Effects of Gangs – JSS 1 Security Education Lesson Note

Security Education JSS 1 Second Term Lesson Notes – Week 10

Topic: Causes and Effects of Gangs

Lesson Details

• Subject: Security Education
• Class: JSS 1
• Term: Second Term
• Week: 10
• Age: 10–12 years
• Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define a gang.
2. Identify the causes of gang formation.
3. Explain the effects of gangs on individuals and society.
4. Suggest ways to prevent gang activities.

Keywords

• Gang
• Violence
• Peer pressure
• Crime
• Security

Set Induction

The teacher asks students:

• Have you ever heard about gangs?
• Why do some people join gangs?
• What happens when gangs become violent?

These questions will introduce the topic.

Entry Behaviour

Students may have seen or heard about gang-related violence in their communities or on the news.

Learning Resources and Materials

• News articles on gang activities
• Short videos on gang prevention
• Posters on crime prevention and community safety

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students have learned about thuggery and cultism. Gangs are similar and contribute to insecurity in society.

Embedded Core Skills

• Critical Thinking
• Conflict Resolution
• Ethical Reasoning

Lesson Content

Definition of a Gang

• A gang is a group of people who come together for illegal or violent activities.
• Some gangs are involved in crime, fighting, drug dealing, and intimidation.
• Gangs can be found in schools, communities, or cities, and they often cause insecurity.

Causes of Gang Formation

1. Peer Pressure – Friends influence others to join gangs.
2. Poverty and Unemployment – People join gangs for survival and money.
3. Lack of Parental Guidance – Poor upbringing leads to bad choices.
4. Influence of Media and Social Media – Movies and music may glorify gang life.
5. Desire for Power and Respect – Some people feel important in a gang.
6. Weak Law Enforcement – When laws are not enforced, gangs grow.
7. Drug and Alcohol Abuse – Drug users may join gangs to support their habits.
8. School Dropout and Lack of Education – Uneducated youth are more likely to join gangs.
9. Broken Homes – Children from unstable families may seek support in gangs.
10. Political Influence – Some politicians use gangs for personal gain.

Effects of Gangs

On Individuals

1. Violence and Injuries – Gang fights lead to serious harm.
2. Arrest and Imprisonment – Many gang members end up in jail.
3. Drug Addiction – Gangs are involved in drug dealing and abuse.
4. School Dropout – Gang activities distract students from education.
5. Loss of Future Opportunities – Criminal records prevent gang members from getting jobs.

On Society

6. Insecurity and Fear – People are afraid of gang violence.
7. Destruction of Property – Gangs destroy homes, cars, and businesses.
8. Increase in Crime Rates – Gangs engage in robbery, kidnapping, and drug trade.
9. Bad Reputation for Communities – Gang-related areas become dangerous.
10. Economic Decline – Businesses close down due to gang violence.

Ways to Prevent Gangs

1. Providing Jobs and Skills Training – Employment reduces gang membership.
2. Parental Guidance – Parents should monitor their children’s activities.
3. Strict Law Enforcement – Arresting gang leaders discourages gang activities.
4. Education and Awareness – Schools should educate students about the dangers of gangs.
5. Encouraging Positive Peer Influence – Youth should choose good friends.
6. Banning Violent Media Content – Reducing the promotion of gangs in music and movies.
7. Community Policing – Local security groups can prevent gang activities.
8. Providing Recreational Activities – Sports and clubs keep youth engaged positively.
9. Controlling Drug Abuse – Governments should enforce drug laws.
10. Encouraging Peaceful Conflict Resolution – Schools and communities should teach peace methods.

Evaluation

Choose the correct option:

1. What is a gang?
   a) A group that promotes peace
   b) A group involved in illegal activities
   c) A school organization
   d) A sports club

2. One major cause of gang formation is:
   a) Good parenting
   b) Poverty and peer pressure
   c) Hard work
   d) Honesty

3. What is a common effect of gang violence?
   a) Increased security
   b) Destruction of property
   c) Economic growth
   d) Peace in society

4. How does drug abuse contribute to gang formation?
   a) It makes people responsible
   b) It causes violent behavior
   c) It helps in conflict resolution
   d) It improves decision-making

5. Which of these can help prevent gangs?
   a) Supporting illegal activities
   b) Providing jobs and education
   c) Ignoring gang members
   d) Encouraging violence

6. Who benefits from gangs?
   a) Society
   b) Business owners
   c) Politicians and criminals
   d) Students

7. What happens to many gang members?
   a) They become successful
   b) They get arrested or killed
   c) They improve their communities
   d) They become doctors

8. Which of the following is NOT an effect of gangs?
   a) Increased crime rates
   b) Fear among people
   c) Economic development
   d) Destruction of property

9. How can communities stop gangs?
   a) By ignoring the problem
   b) By supporting violent groups
   c) By educating young people
   d) By allowing criminals to rule

10. What is a major reason young people join gangs?
    a) To practice peacekeeping
    b) To help others
    c) To gain power and money
    d) To focus on their studies

Class Activity Discussion

1. What is a gang?
2. Why do some young people join gangs?
3. How does drug abuse lead to gang violence?
4. What are some dangers of being in a gang?
5. How does gang violence affect businesses in a community?
6. What can parents do to prevent their children from joining gangs?
7. How does political influence contribute to gang activities?
8. What are some ways to discourage gang membership in schools?
9. How can religious and community leaders help stop gangs?
10. Why is it important to educate young people about the dangers of gangs?

Conclusion

The teacher marks students’ work and provides feedback.