With recent gang activity in the city – including three murders and a kidnapping — the Kamloops-Thompson School District is stepping up its efforts to keep students away from the lifestyle.

They say youth across the province are being recruited to gangs in ways never seen before.

The Principal of Inclusive Education at SD73, Vessy Mochikas, says there are signs that parents can look for.

“Perhaps students are starting to use some substances whether that’s marijuana or alcohol,” she said. “If they have more than one cellphone, change of friends or if they’re wearing certain clothing all the time with certain symbols.”

“Any change in pattern or behaviour [could be concerning].”

She noted that social media use is something parents can keep an eye on.

“We’ve always done our best to create positive connections within our schools but at the end of the day a person is going to seek connection and if they don’t get it in a positive way, then they’ll seek it in a negative way,” she said.

“So if you are a vulnerable youth and you have some interest from a gang or a group where you can get that belonging need met, then you are vulnerable to that lifestyle.”

The District’s main priority, Mochikas noted, is prevention.

“So we work closely with our RCMP Liaison officers,” she said. “We do some neat things like the EDGE program where we take Kamloops Blazers and school leaders down to the east side.”

“We have drug and alcohol awareness or lessons in the fiscal and health education.”

Mochikas adds the last thing she wants is for parents to think their child is immune from potential gang activity.