At a Glance
Campaign Launch and Focus
CFSEU-BC starts a five-week campaign to raise awareness about protecting youth from drugs and gang exploitation.Early Signs of Gang Recruitment
Gang recruitment often begins with subtle tactics like attention, status, or social media interactions, not immediate threats.Key Conversations to Have
The campaign promotes five weekly videos guiding youth, parents, and communities on discussing and addressing drugs, gangs, and pressures.Support Resources Available
Multiple confidential and free support lines and teams are accessible for youth and families seeking help with gang involvement issues.As students across British Columbia begin a new school year, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) is launching Stay Connected. Stay Safe., a five-week public awareness campaign focused on protecting young people from drugs, gang recruitment and exploitation.
School transitions can bring new opportunities, but they can also bring new pressures. Gang recruitment rarely begins with a threat. It can start with attention, money, status, a sense of belonging or a small favour from someone a young person already knows. It can also happen through the same social media platforms young people use every day.
Provincial education resources report that young people in B.C. may be targeted for recruitment or exploitation as early as elementary school, and that the average age at which youth begin to associate with gangs is 13. Knowing what recruitment can look like—and keeping conversations open before a crisis—can help families, schools and communities respond earlier.
Five conversations throughout September
CFSEU-BC will release one short video each week, bringing together youth, parent and prevention perspectives:
- Welcome back to September — the opportunities and pressures that can come with a new school year.
- What young people wish adults knew — a youth perspective on the pressures adults may not always see.
- Starting the conversation at home — practical ways to discuss drugs, gangs, peer pressure and online activity.
- What to watch for, and what to do — warning signs and steps adults can take when something feels different.
- Where to get help — confidential supports available to youth and families across B.C.
The campaign’s central message is simple: stay connected, keep the conversation open and know where to turn for help. One sign on its own is not proof of gang involvement. A pattern of changes, however, may be a reason to check in, listen without judgment and seek advice.
Help is available
People do not need to be in crisis to ask for information or support.
Emergency: Call 911 if someone is in immediate danger.
Youth Against Violence Line: Call 1-800-680-4264 or text 604-836-6381. The service is free, confidential and available 24/7.
Gang Intervention and Exiting Team: Call 604-897-6023 or email gangintervention@cfseu.bc.ca for voluntary, no-cost support for people who want to leave gang life and for their families.
Campaign videos, warning signs and resources: www.youthgangsanddrugs.ca