Risky Teenage Behaviors

Updated and Fact-Checked June 2024 by: Christine Zambos, LMFT

• Updated and Added recent studies
• Updated different approaches
• Updated Statistics
• Added More Tips for Parents

Many parents are aware their teens can be impulsive, easily influenced and sometimes reckless. The teenage brain is going through a vulnerable developmental stage, where the prefrontal cortex is maturing. This region of the brain controls executive function and is responsible for decision-making, weighing consequences, emotional regulation and impulse control.

Teens, navigating new freedoms, social identities and responsibilities while this area of the brain is still developing, can be more prone to impulsive decisions—leading to risky behaviors.

Risk-taking is quite normal for teens as they navigate the limits of freedom and responsibility. However, engaging too frequently or in too many unhealthy risky behaviors can lead to negative outcomes on their physical health, mental health, relationships and school, sometimes even with legal consequences.

Risky Behavior and the Teenage Brain

Teenage brain development and changes to one’s body contribute to risky behaviors. This is because, during the teenage years, the cognitive-control system in the prefrontal cortex is still developing.

Also, during puberty, there are changes in brain structure and function by hormones and neurotransmitters work to increase the desire to seek out rewarding experiences, especially experiences that include risk-taking behaviors.

Studies also show the brains of teenagers might be more biologically wired to engage in risky behaviors. The adolescent age group is quick to make poor decisions and engage in reckless risk-taking behavior more than children and adults.

The explanation for this is children are not fully sensitive to rewards, and adults, although sensitive to rewards, can perform impulse control. Likewise, teenagers also lack self-regulation, making it more difficult to say no to certain activities.

What Does “Risky” Behavior Look Like in Teens?

Risky behaviors can be defined as behaviors that are typically not socially acceptable, or behaviors that put your health, life or others at risk of danger. 

Risky behavior may present differently in teens, but typically is any action that puts them at risk of negative consequences. Some common risky behaviors associated with teens are substance abuse, underage drinking and driving, or unprotected sex. 

While these are definitely some of the most high-risk behaviors parents are concerned about for their teens’ safety, there are a number of other ways risky and self-destructive behaviors could present both physically and mentally. 

Physical Risks

• Underage drinking
• Driving under the influence
• Drug use
• Unprotected sex
• Getting into frequent fights
• Smoking
• Participating in typical activities with disregard to safety (riding bikes without helmets, speeding while driving, not wearing a seatbelt) 

Social and Emotional Risks

• Lying 
• Stealing
• Manipulating others 
• Spreading rumors 
• Skipping school
• Cheating 
• Provoking fights or arguments with peers or family 
• Bullying or cyberbullying 
• Doing something because of peer pressure rather than personal beliefs 

There are a few social and environmental factors that can contribute to teenagers making risky decisions and partaking in risky behaviors:

Factors That Contribute to Risky Behavior in Teens

While the changing teenage brain lacks impulse-control, there are a number of factors that could be influencing your teen to partake in frequent risky behaviors. 

Social Pressure 

Adolescence is a sensitive time for teens to navigate their identities, build new relationships, and develop belief systems. The desire to seek validation, fit in and feel accepted in a group is a natural human trait, even for adults. 

Although, sometimes for teens, this can lead them to make decisions based on what their peers may think. Peer pressure is one of the most common risk factors that influence teens to engage in risky behaviors because teens are still creating their sense of self, and are more easily influenced by the peers around them. 

Even if teens know what they are doing is wrong or risky, they still may choose to partake as a way to feel “part of the group”. 

Establishing Independence 

During the teenage years it is normal to gain more freedom, responsibility and a desire for independence. Taking risks can make teens feel “grown up”, even if they are not making a mature decision as a grown up would do. 

Lack of Structure at Home 

Providing structure and boundaries in the home is essential for parents who wish to teach their teens that making impulsive decisions without thinking can lead to negative consequences. 

Without limits, teens will feel like they can push back and do whatever they want, putting them at risk for engaging in reckless behaviors. 

Providing structure and a sense of discipline may not be welcomed by your teenager at first, but it shows interest in their choices and safety. This can create a physical and emotional sense of safety, making them less likely to seek it elsewhere from groups or peer pressure.

Indicators of Risky Behavior and Relation with Mental Health

Sometimes risky behavior can be influenced by more than “typical teenage risk factors” such. For teens with underlying mental health problems, an unstable home environment or history of trauma, the risk is greatly increased.  

The rapid development of the teen brain can bring underlying mental health problems to the surface making adolescents one of the most vulnerable age groups for developing a mental health issue. 

Puberty and increased hormone production can cause anxiety or changes in mood, and isolation or problems with peers can lead to symptoms of depression. The teenage brain is also more susceptible to stress and changes in the environment that could lead to development of a variety of these mental health problems. 

Teens with a history of trauma are at a higher risk of partaking in more severe and frequent reckless behaviors such as binge drinking, self-harm, smoking or physical fights. This may be due to the need for coping with past traumatic experiences, or modeling behavior they saw as children. This is especially common for young people who grew up in a home where risky behaviors were often modeled by adults.

Top Teenage Risky Behaviors

Alcohol and Substance Use

Alcohol consumption is usually the most common risk-taking behavior a teen can take. It usually starts early and, in most cases, it does not involve life-threatening circumstances. However, teenagers who drink alcohol from a young age are at higher risk of developing an alcohol addiction later in life.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, in 2022, around 5% of 12th graders alone reported having abused prescription drugs in the previous 12 months. had a current misuse of prescription drugs, more specifically, prescriptions for opioids. 

Risk-taking related to alcohol and substance abuse can involve:

• Drinking alcohol regularly
• Having five or more drinks in a row – binge drinking
• Trying drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamines or misusing prescription drugs

Tobacco Use and Vaping

The way teenagers consume tobacco is changing. Before, parents would have to worry about tobacco use only from cigarette smoking. However, it is becoming very popular with other tobacco products such as cigars, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), and vaporizers (vapes).

Risky behaviors related to tobacco use include:

• Smoking an entire cigarette before the age of 13
• Smoking a cigarette at least once a week
• Using various forms of smokeless tobacco

Consequences Related to Substance Use, including Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco

Consequences due to drug use can be:

• School problems – higher rates of absences, lower grades, and risk of failing
• Social problems – lack of participation in youth activities and clubs
• Legal problems – becoming involved in illegal activities – such as physically hurting someone while drunk
• Physical problems – illnesses related to alcohol and drug consumption
• Injuries related to substance use – like motor vehicle accidents, falls, or even drowning
• Disruption of normal growth
• Memory problems
• Changes in brain development that can be long-term
• Binge drinking – leading to alcohol poisoning
• Developing a substance abuse issue

Sexual Behavior

Risky sexual behaviors include:

• Having sexual intercourse before the age of 13
• Being sexually active – having multiple partners
• Partaking in unprotected sex
• Not being tested for HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases
• Sexting over social media
• Sharing intimate pictures with others online

Consequences Related to Sexual Behavior

These risky sexual behaviors can lead to:

• Getting sexually transmitted diseases and infections
• Unwanted pregnancies

Violence and Mental Health

Usually, choosing to have violent behaviors has more to do with trauma, early development, and the environment in which one grew up rather than other types of risky behaviors mentioned in this article.

Risk-taking behaviors related to violence include:

• Practicing illegal activities, such as stealing and vandalism
• Starting a physical fight with others, including peers
• Being involved in a gang
• Hitting a younger sibling

Such behaviors can lead to negative outcomes for a teenager’s life, including leaving school, serious injuries from fights, and legal problems, including going to jail.

Sadly it can become a vicious circle as for teenagers who suffer from mental health issues, risky behaviors such as alcohol or drug misuse might help deal with their emotional pain, easing the sadness or numbness. Of course, these behaviors will most likely make the mental health condition worse, leading to serious consequences such as practicing self-harm and even considering suicide.

Dangerous Driving

Unsafe driving, either from using substances prior to or not being legally allowed, to drive can have catastrophic consequences for both the one driving and others. Generally, teenage boys are more likely to engage in such behaviors.

Lack of Self-Care Practices

Teen risk behaviors related to a lack of self-care practices can lead to developing adolescent health issues. These may include:

• Not attending Physical Educations classes at school
• Too many hours playing video games or at the computer
• Not engaging in hobbies – including physical activities
• Unhealthy diets – consuming too much sugar and not enough nutrient-rich food

How to Deal with Risky Teen Behavior

Having a teenager can be a challenge for parents trying to navigate how to balance giving them freedom, while still guiding them to make right choices. Depending on the severity and frequency of the behaviors your teen is participating in, there are a variety of things parents can do to help reduce risky behaviors in teens and model good decision making. 

Build Trust with Open Conversations 

Establishing a level of trust with your teen is essential for having a healthy relationship and setting boundaries that will be respected. Making your home a shame-free zone can make it easier for them to come to you about taboo topics or risky behaviors they are thinking about or are participating in such as drugs, sex and alcohol. 

It is normal for parents to want to react out of concern if they feel their teens are involved in risky behavior. Instead of immediately punishing your teenager for taking risks, it is more helpful to start by asking questions and actively listening to understand why they are participating in these behaviors. 

Take initiative to learn more about the friends their teens are hanging out with, the places they are spending time at and the content they are consuming. Rather than telling teens simply not to do something, explain to them that their actions have consequences. Then clearly establish what those consequences are and stick to them.

Setting Boundaries 

Rather than telling teens simply not to do something, explain to them that their actions have consequences. Then clearly establish what those consequences are and stick to them.

A balance between personal choice and setting boundaries is important. Just be sure to explain the boundaries and why they are in place. 

Model Positive Behavior 

Teens that grow up in environments where parents are involved in risky behavior are more likely to embody those same behaviors in adolescence and adulthood. Ensuring your teen has positive role models in their life can drastically reduce the likelihood of them partaking in unhealthy risky behaviors. 

Promote Healthy Risk Taking 

Taking risks is not inherently negative, and sometimes a necessary part of adulthood. Parents can steer their teens into taking healthy risks such as:  

• Participating in new activities like team sports or joining a club 
• Apologizing for a mistake 
• Being vulnerable with their feelings (reaching out for help when necessary) 
• Public speaking 
• Making new friends or asking someone out on a date
• Volunteering for an important cause 
• Trying new foods or traveling 
• Allowing “risky” physical activities with safe guidelines (riding a bike with a helmet, football, wrestling, riding roller coasters at amusement parks)  

Professional Intervention

In some cases parents may need extra support when managing risky behavior in teens. If you believe your child is engaging in risky behaviors, you can always get support from a mental health professional to understand to what extent your child’s behavior is normal or self-destructing.

There are a variety of treatment options for teens struggling to manage maladaptive behaviors. Healthcare professionals can offer the best treatment based on the individual needs of your teen such as traditional therapy, support groups, or medication management. If your teen is exhibiting severe cases of high-risk behavior that put themselves or others in danger, a partial hospitalization program may be the best option. This all-day structured treatment program helps stabilize behavior, allowing the teen to return home in the evenings. 

These treatments are designed to help teens become aware of their actions and consequences. This will help them develop the necessary skills to engage in long-term healthy behaviors to take forward into adulthood.

How Clearfork Academy Can Help 

Clearform has a compassionate and comprehensive team of staff who are experts in treating teen substance abuse, mental health problems and behavioral issues.  If you believe your child is engaging in risky behaviors that are threatening to themselves or others, contact Clearfork today to find out more about how we may help.

Sources 

Garrido, E. F., Weiler, L. M., & Taussig, H. N. (2018). Adverse Childhood Experiences and Health-Risk Behaviors in Vulnerable Early Adolescents. The Journal of early adolescence, 38(5), 661–680. 

The Current Landscape of Adolescent Risk Behavior. 2019. Promoting Positive Adolescent Health Behaviors and Outcomes: Thriving in the 21st Century. National Academies Press (US); 2019 Dec 12. 3,