What is Risk Taking?
What is risk-taking?
Making a decision or taking an action that has the possibility of a positive or negative consequence.
What is a drug?
A substance that changes the way the body or mind functions.
What are the three main categories used to classify drugs according to their effect on the central nervous system?
Depressants, stimulants and hallucinogens.
What does BRAIN help us to do?
Identify and minimise risks when participating in outdoor activities.
Identify one hazard that could be present when participating in an outdoor activity.
Examples include weather, uneven surfaces, water, traffic, equipment or other people.
What is the difference between positive and negative risk-taking?
Positive risk-taking has potential benefits and is generally managed safely, while negative risk-taking can result in harm or negative consequences.
Identify two reasons why a young person might experiment with drugs.
Peer pressure, curiosity, wanting to fit in, stress, experimentation or influence from media.
What type of drug slows down activity in the central nervous system?
A depressant.
What does the B in BRAIN stand for?
Benefits (What are the benefits in this situation?)
Why is it important to check weather conditions before an outdoor activity?
Weather can change the level of risk and affect safety, visibility, temperature, water conditions and the environment.
Give two factors that can influence a young person's decision to take a risk.
Possible answers include peers, emotions, previous experiences, media, environment, values and beliefs.
Identify two potential consequences of drug use for young people.
Possible consequences include effects on physical health, mental wellbeing, relationships, school performance, decision-making and safety.
What type of drug increases activity in the central nervous system?
A stimulant.
What does the R in BRAIN stand for?
Risks (What are the risks in this situation?)
Identify three strategies that can help keep pedestrians safe around roads.
Use designated crossings, obey traffic signals, stay alert, make eye contact with drivers where appropriate, avoid distractions and follow road rules.
Why might young people be more likely to take risks when they are with their friends?
Peer pressure, wanting to fit in, seeking approval and feeling encouraged by others can influence decision-making.
How can peer pressure influence a young person's decision about drug use?
Friends may encourage or pressure someone to try a drug because they want to fit in or be accepted.
Match the drug category to its general effect:
Depressant — Stimulant — Hallucinogen
A. Can alter perception and senses
B. Slows down the central nervous system
C. Speeds up the central nervous system
Answer:
What does the A, I and N in BRAIN stand for?
Alternatives (Are there any alternatives to this behaviour?)
I = Instincts (What do your instincts tell you?)
N = Nothing (If you do nothing, what will happen?)
Why can using a mobile phone while crossing a road increase risk?
It can distract a person from their surroundings and reduce their ability to notice vehicles, hazards and changes in the environment.
Analyse how peers, emotions and the environment can influence a young person's decision to take a risk.
explain each factor-
For example, a young person may feel pressured by friends, become excited or nervous, and fail to consider the risks of their environment.
Explain why drug use can increase the level of risk involved in other activities.
Drugs can affect judgement, coordination, reaction time and decision-making. This can make activities such as travelling, swimming or participating in sport more dangerous.
A person has consumed a substance that affects their coordination, judgement and reaction time. Explain why this could increase their risk of injury.
Changes to coordination, judgement and reaction time can make it harder to respond appropriately to hazards, increasing the likelihood of unsafe decisions and injury.
Apply the BRAIN process to a student participating in an outdoor activity near water. Explain how they could use the process to minimise risk.
Scenario Exemplar: You are at a river and your friend’s dare you to jump off a tree into the water.
B = Benefits
Fun, impress friends, win the dare.
R = Risks
Uknown water depth, which can cause injury, slip and fall.
A = Alternatives
I could just say that I would rather swim and can’t be bothered to climb a tree.
I = Instincts
I feel like something bad could happen and I shouldn’t jump off the tree.
N = Nothing
If I do nothing, I might get teased by my friends but at least I will be safe.
Evaluate the importance of following safety rules when participating in outdoor activities and using roads.
Safety rules reduce exposure to hazards, help people make safer decisions and can prevent injuries. Following rules also protects other people and helps create safer environments.