Teenagers are more likely to engage in dangerous activities and behaviours. Why? Well, according to science, it all boils down to neural chemistry, reward signals, and development as they move into adulthood.
What neuroscientists characterise as “normal brain development” continues until around age 26. That means that your teenager will continue, although in a declining fashion, to have the capacity to show poor judgment a lot later than we typically expect. So how do we stop our teens from doing stupid – and dangerous – things?
The truth is, we can’t 100 percent of the time but we can be more watchful of behaviours that could spark red flags. While your teen may not engage in all of the risky behaviours below, they are likely to try a few. Here are some tips on how you can keep an eye out for any signs of dangerous behaviour:
Breaking the speed limit
Whether they’re trying to impress their friends, or are excited about the prospect of being in control of a car without adult supervision, one of the most common risks that teens take is speeding. There are numerous electronic devices that you can have fitted to your vehicle to monitor your teen’s driving. They are also GPS-enabled, so you can find out where your teen is in an emergency.
Texting while driving
Teens often have an ‘it won’t happen to me’ attitude and don’t practice caution behind the wheel. They will automatically answer incoming texts, even if they’re driving. Distracted driving has proven to be the cause of numerous fatal accidents.
Experimenting with drugs
Teenagers are well aware of the risks of experimentation with illicit drugs. Most are raised with the ‘just say no’ attitude, and there are entire school programmes dedicated to educating teens on the dangers of drugs. That doesn’t change the fact that curiosity, the desire to rebel, and a need to assert an adult level of independence drives many kids to try these substances. Signs that your child might be experimenting with drugs include a change in behaviour (moody, angry, irritable), rapid weight loss, shaking hands, skin discolouration, dark circles under eyes, absence from school, deteriorating school results.
Getting horribly drunk
Alcohol poisoning and bad decisions due to lowered inhibitions are both very real dangers of binge drinking. This is why it is important to discuss the matter with your teen. Find out if any of the parties they attend have alcohol (even if they’re underage), and encourage them to call you if they ever find themselves in trouble. If they are being bullied into drinking by their peers, or if they have made bad decisions and have joined in on the drinking, they need to know that you will be available to rescue them from the situation. This does not mean that you don’t have to impose consequences for their behaviour, but at least it will ensure their safety in the midst of a bad situation.
Bunking school
Some teens skip school to avoid bullies or a classroom setting they are struggling in, while others skip simply because they can. From asserting independence to practicing avoidance, skipping school for any reason is still a common situation amongst teens. If you find out that your teen has been skipping classes, or even leaving school early, try to chat to them and find out the reason for their behaviour. You might have to send them for counselling if they are struggling with bullies at school, or for extra classes if they are struggling with a school subject.
Vandalism, graffiti, and destroying property
Even when it’s meant to be a harmless prank, the destruction of property is something parents need to take seriously. You can be assured that law enforcement won’t see this risky behaviour as a joke.
Breaking and entering private property
From the thrill of hanging out in a forbidden place to the more practical application of simply finding a place to hang out away from the prying eyes of adults, trespassing is another common risk that teens take. It’s also a crime, which is why parents shouldn’t turn a blind eye to such habits if they’re discovered.
Practicing unsafe sex
Few parents look forward to having a talk about sex with their kids, but some teens engage in risky sexual behaviour due to a lack of understanding and information. Unprotected sex can lead to teen pregnancy and the contracting of sexually-transmitted diseases, which is why parents must have a frank and honest discussion about sex. They need to talk about the importance of using protection and abstaining for as long as possible.
Cutting and self-harming
Self-harming behaviour like cutting is, according to a 2002 British study, more common among teenage girls. Most parents would never dream that their kids are cutting themselves, but it is an increasingly common behaviour. Keep a tab on your medical supplies – how many plasters are being used, antiseptics, etc. From cutting deeply and sustaining real injury, to contracting an infection through open wounds, this damaging, risky impulse can have very serious consequences.
Some signs that your teen might be self-harming include injuries or scars that aren’t easy for your teen to explain, long sleeves in summer, wristbands, or other clothing that could be used to cover up injuries. Your teen’s personality may change too – becoming introspective and withdrawn, with signs of depression. Keep a tab on your medical supplies – how many plasters are being used, antiseptics, etc.
Starvation diets
Spurred on by the media’s fixation on physical perfection, paired with the inherent insecurity of adolescence, crash dieting and even eating disorders are a common risk that teens take, in a bid to obtain their skewed ideas of physical beauty. Parents should discuss these issues with their teens, even if no signs of eating disorders or problematic relationships with food are present. If you think that your teen may be at risk for an eating disorder, seek help as quickly as possible. Studies show that the earlier eating disorders are detected, the higher the rate of recovery.
