The Science Behind Why Teens Choose Risky Behavior
The top three causes of death in U.S. teenagers are accidents, homicide, and suicide. For all of recorded history, we’ve known that teens can be drawn to risky behavior. This is hardly news, but that doesn’t make it any less frightening.
They get into fights, commit crimes, have unsafe sex, drive recklessly, neglect their own well-being in a variety of ways, etc. These days, thanks to social media and smartphone culture, there’s the added thrill of filming or streaming such risk-taking. From bullying to feeling independent and beyond, there is no shortage of potential reasons for these harrowing trends. Let’s talk about a few.
Hormones, Societal Pressure, and Other Factors
Puberty is a crucial factor in teen behavior. Hormonal changes can lead to aggression and a desire to experience sensations that may be discouraged. This biological tendency is amplified via peer pressure. While teens imagine themselves to be rebellious, they are conformists at heart. They strongly desire to fit in, even if that means making some very questionable choices.
With adulthood on the horizon, many teens resist their parents’ or teachers’ rules. This can result in making symbolic gestures that border on self-harm. Such behaviors also serve as a mask for the inevitable anxiety caused by a growing list of obligations and responsibilities. When you factor in a possible lack of supervision and realities like bullying and substance abuse, the likelihood of risk-taking increases exponentially.
The Big One: Brain Development
As if all of the above isn’t enough, our teen years feature some massive changes in how we see and think about the world. Such changes are directly and indirectly caused by neurological factors like:
The Growing Appeal of Dopamine: During adolescence, the brain’s reward system operates in a highly sensitive manner. When engaging in something new or perceived as exciting, the release of dopamine is particularly high at this age.
Your Prefrontal Cortex Struggling to Keep Up: Meanwhile, the part of the brain that controls impulses is not yet fully developed. The prefrontal cortex is often unable to make wise, safe decisions effectively.
Seeking Sensations: The above two realities often prompt teens to embark on a quest for new experiences that trigger their reward system with a significant dose of dopamine. It’s simply a feature of that time of a human’s life.
How to Reduce Risky Behavior in Your Teen
As anyone raising a teen can attest, this experience can feel like a high-wire act without a net. After reading the above information, you may wonder if there is a way to find balance. You don’t want to alter your child’s development, but you also want them to make it to adulthood. Here are three suggestions to get you started:
Be a Positive Role Model: Your teen is watching. They may criticize or tease you, but they see what you do and what you don’t do. So, lead by example by making choices that are palpably self-loving and healthy. Demonstrate self-control and humility for them to emulate.
Prioritize Communication: Establish the habit of having frequent face-to-face conversations without judgment. Don’t dance around tough topics. Let them know that you’re open to direct discussions, even when they become uncomfortable.
Be Involved in Their Lives: Ask questions, keep tabs, and be that parent who invites their children’s friends to their home. It’s not easy, but you can strike a solid balance between setting limits and respecting their autonomy.
If any of the above becomes overwhelming for anyone involved, it’s only logical to ask for professional help. Connecting with a skilled teen therapist is a powerful, proven way to regain control of a tricky situation.
