Recreation, Culture & Social Support Services
Tips for Parents
Parents should learn to recognize the signs that their child may be involved in graffiti. While many "taggers" consider themselves artists, this activity is vandalism and illegal. There is a significant cost to residents, to businesses and to the Municipality who pay to clean up after vandals.
Watch for these signs:
- Paint stains on your child's hands, clothing and backpack.
- Possession of graffiti related items such as markers, etching tools, spray paint, rubber gloves, adhesive stickers, sketch books or collections of graffiti photos, drawings and graffiti magazines.
- Excessive interest in graffiti through conversation or markings on their clothing, walls, lockers, books, school assignments and bags.
- Internet activity will show frequent visits to graffiti websites
- Related conversations with friend
- Presence of 'tagging'.
If you see these signs be sure to talk to your child about his/her activities. He/she may not be aware that it is a criminal offence that has a negative ripple-effect on the community as a whole.
