An ounce of prevention may be the best cure, but DeKalb officials who are trying to stop gangs from polluting the city need to do more listening than talking.

Local cops and school heads are planning seminars and meetings in an effort to educate local children about the dangers of street gangs that seem to be flowing from Chicago and Rockford.

Students returning to DeKalb High School this fall are finding a dress code in their handbooks restricting colors that might reflect gang membership. The policy began last spring.

These might be good ways to put a stop to the possible infestation of gangs, but the children don’t need to be warned.

They know who the gang members are. They know how to stay out of the gang members’ ways. And they probably can help the police more than the police can help them.

Kids know other kids better than anyone, including parents. Most high school students know which classmates smoke or drink and who are guilty of anything else parents aren’t supposed to know about. Many high schoolers also know where the gangs hang out.

Yes, the Sycamore shooting is a tragedy. Yes, DeKalb’s gang problem could grow. Still, it’s pretty minor now. The high school dress code is something for Los Angeles or New York, not here.

It’s time for local officials to stop overreacting and start listening. What they hear might be the perfect recipe for chasing gangs out of town.