Teens and Risk Taking

Adolescence has long been considered a period when teens are especially susceptible to engaging in unhealthy risk behaviors, such as drug and alcohol use, unprotected sex, and violence. However, “risk” is not confined to illegal or unsafe behaviors. A recent report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine explains that instead of conceptualizing all risk taking as negative, it is important to acknowledge its developmental purpose and provide opportunities for adolescents to take healthy risks that will help them learn, grow, and thrive. Read more about the report and find more resources on this topic at