Risk Taking PPL30X

Teen Risk Taking A Statistical Portrait   The biggest danger facing teens today is taking UNNECESSARY RISKS!!! For some, risk taking becomes a way to establish an identity and break away from adult control. They result from such risk-taking behaviors as fighting, substance abuse, suicide and sexual activity. Teens who participate in multiple risks increase the chance of damaging their health.

10 of the Most Prevalent Risk Behavior of Teens Regular alcohol use Regular binge drinking Regular tobacco use Marijuana use Other illegal drug use Fighting Weapon carrying Suicidal thoughts Suicide attempts Risky sexual activities

Stats Most risks are taken by multiple-risk students For example, 12% of students reporting regular tobacco use, 85% were multiple risk-takers. Nearly all teens, even those engaging in multiple risk behaviors, participate in positive behaviors. 92% of students engage in at least one positive behavior such as earning good grades, participation in extracurricular activities, spending time with parents, being involved in a religious institution. Participation in positive behaviors declines with increased risk-taking.

What’s Killing Canada’s Youth? Across Canada, injuries are the leading cause of death among our youth. Injuries occur due to: Taking chances Acting impulsively Overestimating skill level Peer pressure Believing that they are invincible

What’s Killing Canada’s Youth? In 2003, 1 678 youth aged 15 – 24 years died as a result of injury, which represents 73% of all deaths in this age group. This is ONE death in Canada every 5 hours! Motor vehicle accidents account for 60% of accidents. For every youth who dies from trauma, more than 10 have severe injuries often requiring 1 or more surgeries.

QUESTION: Isn’t risk taking a necessary part of individual growth? ANSWER: YES!!! But there is a big difference between positive healthy risk and reckless self-destructive behavior.

Types of Risks Physical Risks Social or Emotional Risks School or Work-Related Risks Each have both POSITVE & NEGATIVE results!

What is the difference between “necessary / positive” risk and “unnecessary / negative” risk?   Positive Risk taking – means behavior that leads to personal growth and is in your best interest. It is a healthy challenge.  Negative Risk Taking – means putting yourself in danger, ignoring the consequences, being pressured into doing something… WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES?   

Examples: Positive Negative Trying out for team Drinking Volunteering Smoking Getting a job Drugs Making new friends Disordered eating Running a marathon Running away Joining a club Stealing Public speaking Gang Activity Applying for KRT Suicide Greeting new students Self Mutilation

Unhealthy Risk vs. Healthy Risk Alternatives QUESTION: How can you tell if risk is healthy or unhealthy? ANSWER: Ask yourself these 3 questions. Is it voluntary? (Or is there peer pressure?) Are you aware of the consequences? (What do you stand to lose and are you willing to accept the possibly negative outcome?) Once you have made the decision, did you try to minimize the risk or danger?

Other Questions Do you feel pressured to make risky choices by friends? Do you rush into decisions? Do you think it is uncool to try things in a safe manner? Do you make dangerous choices to show others or draw attention? Does it feel as though your decision making happens in a “dream”?

How do drugs affect a person’s view of risk taking? QUESTION How do drugs affect a person’s view of risk taking? ANSWER: Drugs destroy a person’ ability to pre-judge a situation and you therefore can not make a rationale decision. Is it the same for drinking?

WHAT TYPE OF RISK TAKER ARE YOU? Cautious risk taker Middle of the road risk taker Adventurer / High end risk taker Overall Lesson - Think before you act.