of

Risk-taking is an important
way for teenagers to learn
about themselves. It peaks at
around 15-16 years and tends
to tail off by early
adulthood.

It is very stressful for parents, but teens are

drawn to risky behaviors, and it’s a normal rite of
passage.
Risk-taking is the act of
participating into health
compromising activities
with minimal understanding
of the negative
consequences it entails

At the same time, there are often cases where

adolescents are aware of its negative effects it
entails but chose to ignore it.
The type of risks a teen is
drawn to varies by gender.

Boys are more likely to

experiment with fighting
and skipping school.
Girls have slightly higher
rates of smoking.
Reasons
Teens Take
Risks
 #1

Brain power.
Teenagers are more likely to
make impulsive, emotional
decisions without thinking
through the consequences.
Unhealthy #2

optimism.
Teens tend to think that negative outcomes will only
happen to other people. It doesn’t feel real to them,
and so the possible negative consequences don’t deter
them.
#3

Adventure.
No teen likes feeling bored. If
your teen is under-stimulated, they
may try risky behaviors for
excitement.
#4

Peer
pressure.
Some teenagers want to be
accepted and fit in, so they do
what is considered ‘normal’.
#5

Media.
Movies and television project a wide
range of risky behaviors in ways that
make the person glamorous or
admirable, while still avoiding any
negative consequences.
#6

Poor self-
esteem.
A young person with low self-esteem
may not by very assertive or have the
will to say no to others.
 #7

Expressing
independence.
As part of growing up, teens
sometimes define who they are by
going against the established
order of things.
What Parents
Can Do
Here are some strategies
to help address and reduce
risky behavior:
 #1
Encourage
healthy
risks.
Try to guide your teen’s risk-
taking tendencies towards more
appropriate activities.
#2

Stay
connected.
Keep communication open
with your teen and stay
involved in your teen’s
activities.
 #3
Role
model.

Teens are guided by what they see

their parents do a lot more than what
their parents say. Make sure you are
modeling healthy decision-making.
#4

Teach risk
assessment.
Use real life examples to explain
other’s behaviors and consequences.
 #5

Teach life
skills.
Parents should work to instill
positive character and life
skills in their children.
Discuss what makes a good
leader, how to solve problems,
and tips to be assertive.
Although risk-taking is a fairly
normal part of adolescence, some
teenagers take it to the extreme.
If your teen regularly engages in
dangerous behaviors, such as using
drugs, getting into fights, or
breaking the law, seek help and
support.
 Thank you
for listening!
 Presented by:
Loisa Mae Maraon
Alcina Baclagan
Reference:
https://middleearthnj.org/2014/10/13/the-reasons-
behind-teens-risky-behavior-and-what-parents-can-do/