At Risk
Name at least 3 risk factors for teen/adolescent engagement in risky behavior.
- low economic status
- history of violence (eg. witnessing domestic violence)
- previous rebellious activities
- risky behaving peers (eg. friends or siblings who use drugs or commit crimes)
- absent/uninvolved parents
- low academic performance
These unexcused school-related risky behaviors can lead to academic failure and criminal charges for parents/caregivers.
skipping class or school/truancy
Some ways your clinician/therapist can support you in reducing risky behaviors.
Providing education and building skills like:
- communication
-peer-refusal (i.e. saying "no")
- emotion regulation
Name 3-4 safe risk-taking activities.
- Sports like rock climbing, skiing, martial arts, boxing, gymnastics, cheerleading, etc.
- Challenging academic activities like taking an advanced placement or honors course or running for a class office.
- Creative arts like drama, band, or auditioning for a choir or movie role.
- Other activities like trying new foods, traveling, and work/volunteer jobs like fire fighting and animal shelters.
Media/Marketing (television, music, social media, advertisements, etc.)
Some economic risky behaviors that youth who are addicted to substances may engage in.
- robbery/theft/shoplifting/fraud
- prostitution
- other petty crimes (eg. disorderly conduct, assault)
Sending nudes or other inappropriate images and communications via text or social media which can also be a criminal offense
Sexting
True or False? Talking about risky behavior can result in reduction. Why/Why Not?
True. In the absence of education and open communication with parents/trusted adults, young people may fail to see some risky behaviors as actually dangerous and/or may turn to the media and their peers who are more likely to also be mis/uninformed.
Give an example of a way you/your child can opt out of risky behaviors while saving face (without losing credibility) with peers/friends.
For example:
- say you can't attend a party/unsupervised activity because you have another event
- say "no" to smoking because you have asthma or really don't like the smell
Name at least 1 human need that can influence risk taking in youth.
- Sense of autonomy/Identity formation (wanting to assert their independence)
- Sense of belonging (wanting to fit in with a group)
True or False? Substance related cravings can lead to engagement in risky behavior? – Why/Why not?
True, the surge of dopamine overwhelms the brain and leads to powerful cravings for more of the substance. Furthermore, increased use negatively affects the parts of the brain that control decision-making and impulse control.
A type of consumption that can damage brain cells, impair judgement, and lead to death
substance use (drugs and alcohol)
Ways extracurricular activities and after school programs help with reducing risky behavior
- reduces idle time/boredom
- increases connectedness/sense of belonging
- increases and gives opportunity for practicing adaptive and other skills (eg. communication, impulse control, coping).
Name 1-2 potential benefit(s) of playing it safe and 1-2 potential consequence(s) for not playing it safe or engaging in risky behaviors.
Benefits:
- staying out of trouble
- better health
- academic success
Consequences:
- harm to self or others (including illness/disease and death)
- depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues
- low intelligence/academic failure
- low self-esteem
- jeopardy to future (ie. graduation, health, employment)
BONUS!!
You took a "safe" risk! Here's your reward.
Collect 300 points!
Name a mental/behavioral health disorder that can increase a young person's risk for engaging in risky behaviors.
ADHD
Conduct Disorder
Depression (suicidal behaviors)
Name 2-3 risky behaviors (not already mentioned) that are illegal or can lead to criminal charges.
- illegal substance use (eg. taking another person's prescription, underage marijuana smoking, etc.)
- trespassing
- vandalism
- fighting
- reckless and/or driving without a license
- sending inappropriate pictures to and/or of a minor
How providing autonomy/choice to adolescents help with reduction in risky behavior
Opportunity to practice self-governance, self-regulatory behavior, and independence with parental/adult guidance and limits.
Name at least 3 ways parents/guardians can help keep risk-taking teenagers safe.
- be connected (listen and foster a strong relationship)
- talk about rules and consequences (and be consistent/follow through)
- be a positive influence/good role model
- talk about values that are important to your family
- monitor (know where and who your child is with)
According to human development, this makes adolescents/teens more susceptible to engaging in risky behaviors.
Underdeveloped brain -
The prefrontal cortex does not become fully developed until mid to late 20s. This part of the brain is responsible for important parts of human behavior including, emotion regulation, decision making, problem solving, and impulses. Thus, because this part of the brain is not fully developed in young people, they are more vulnerable to engaging in risky behaviors.