How Much Risk Taking Behavior is Normal for My Teen?

Navigating adolescence can be an exciting and challenging time for both teens and parents. It’s during these years that teenagers start to explore their personal boundaries, test their limits, and engage in new experiences.

This can often involve risk-taking behaviors. But how much risk-taking behavior is considered normal for teenagers?

Hi, I’m Kelsey Ragan, a therapist at Bloom Child Therapist and in this article, we’ll talk about a few key considerations to help you determine what constitutes normal risk-taking behavior for your teen.

1. Understand Your Teen’s Brain Development

To understand why teenagers are drawn to risk-taking behaviors, it helps to know a bit about brain development. During adolescence, the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for decision-making and impulse control—is still maturing.

At the same time, the reward center in the brain, which responds to pleasure and excitement, develops early on.

This unique combination can make teenagers more inclined to engage in risky activities such as experimenting with drugs and alcohol, reckless driving or speeding, as well as pushing boundaries and breaking rules set by parents or authorities, before fully considering the potential consequences.

2. Consider the Social Influence of Your Teen’s Friends & Peers

Teenagers are heavily influenced by their peers and often feel pressure to fit in or impress their friends. This group mentality can sometimes lead them to adopt riskier behaviors simply to gain acceptance or approval.

This can involve cutting classes or skipping school, participating in dangerous sports or activities without proper safety measures, or even cyberbullying or engaging in risky online behaviors.

Pay attention to your teen’s social circle and engage in open conversations about peer influence and its impact on decision-making.

3. Understand the Difference Between Healthy vs. Harmful Risks

It’s crucial to help your teen differentiate between healthy risks and those that are potentially harmful. Healthy risks involve trying new activities or challenging themselves in ways that build character, confidence, and resilience.

Examples include joining a sports team, pursuing creative endeavors, or engaging in community service.

Harmful risks, on the other hand, jeopardize physical or emotional well-being. This includes underage drinking, substance abuse, or engaging in risky sexual behaviors.

4. Practice Open Communication

Maintaining open lines of communication with your teenager is vital. Create a safe and non-judgmental space where they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, concerns, and experiences.

Some examples include asking open-ended questions to encourage your teenager to share their thoughts and feelings, showing empathy and understanding, rather than immediately trying to solve their problems, but also respecting their boundaries and privacy, allowing them to share at their own pace.

By fostering an environment of trust and understanding, you’ll be better equipped to guide them towards healthier decision-making and steer them away from potentially harmful risks.

5. Encourage Responsible Behavior

Rather than discouraging all risk-taking, focus on fostering responsible behavior. Help your teen develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and self-awareness.

Teach them how to assess potential risks, weigh the pros and cons, and make informed choices wisely. For example, talk to your teen about the impact of substance abuse on their health, relationships, and future opportunities.

And, provide guidance on how to manage peer pressure. Help them develop assertiveness skills to say no to risky behaviors and make choices based on their values and beliefs.

By providing guidance and support, you’ll empower your teenager to navigate risks thoughtfully and responsibly.

Remember that every teenager is unique, and the boundaries of what’s considered normal risk-taking behavior may vary. Trust your instincts as a parent or caregiver.

And, if you have concerns about your teen’s risk-taking behaviors, schedule an appointment at Bloom Child Therapists today. By understanding their motivations, we’ll help you strike a balance that ensures your teen’s safety and well-being.