ADOLESCENT BEHAVIOR: THE RISKS INVOLVED

Researches have revealed that adolescents have the tendency to behave in a risky way which is the effect of a number of causes- rejections by peers, peer pressure, exposure to lead, television, chemical imbalances, too little of carbohydrates and too much of protein.

Taking of risks is the norm of the adolescents in the way they grow up and develop and experiment with new things. But sometimes this risk taking morphs into problem when it transforms into a manner of everyday life. In a recent study, unhealthy behavior in adolescents is said to be the cause of close association with peers who are prone to smoking and drinking and those who are related to weapon-related violence.

The cause may even be a buddy who has attempted suicide!

Some child psychologists refer to 3 to 8 p.m. as the ‘witching hour’. It is the time when most of the adolescents’ risky behavior peaks up. It is the time when millions of teenagers are out on the streets without the shelter of any supervision or any constructive activity – the perfect time for the birth of juvenile crime!

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the other risky behaviors for the adolescents that are done after the schools are over, are usage of illegal drugs, tobacco, drinking, driving getting drunk, sexual activities, firearm play.

One of the ways to curb the tendency of risky behavior for your teenage child is to properly communicate with him/her without being judgmental.