Pushing boundaries is a normal part of growing up, but certain teen risk behaviors can quickly cross the line into becoming dangers worthy of intervention.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tracks risky behaviors of adolescents and has identified six that are particularly problematic in terms of causing social problems, disability, and even death among teens and young adults.
Young people are always going to engage in some sort of risky behavior. It’s a normal part of the adolescent need to explore, discover, and grow. However, not all kinds of “risky” behavior are the same, and some could pose serious long-term complications and consequences if not addressed early.
WHAT ARE THE SIX RISK BEHAVIORS OF TEENS ACCORDING TO THE CDC
The CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System monitors teen risk behaviors. It identifies the ones that are most likely to contribute to illness, death, and disability among this vulnerable age group. These six risk behaviors often begin in childhood or early adolescence and can worsen over time without treatment.
When examining these behaviors, it’s important to distinguish between an example of risky behavior that could lead to injury or death and simply a risky behavior that is unlikely to carry such risks. This information is essential in teen mental health treatment and can help providers, parents, and patients connect the dots between certain behaviors and their possible outcomes.
Learn more about the top six risk behaviors for teens below and some of the potential harm they can cause.
According to the CDC, there are certain well-identified risky behaviors of adolescents that can lead to unintentional injury, such as mobile phone use while driving, riding a bicycle without a helmet, not wearing a seatbelt in a car, or riding in vehicles with drivers who have been drinking. The CDC also recognizes behaviors among teens that lead to violence in a more direct manner, such as carrying a weapon (particularly a gun), being in a physical fight, experiencing intimate partner violence, avoiding school because of its lack of safety, experiencing bullying, or considering and/or attempting suicide.
Some teen risk factors related to sexual behavior contribute to unintentional pregnancies and diseases, such as having intercourse before the age of 13, having multiple partners, not using protection during intercourse, not being tested for HIV, and drinking alcohol or using drugs during or before intercourse.
Risky behaviors regarding alcohol or drug use include binge drinking, substance use regularly, and experimenting with drugs such as cocaine, inhalants, heroin, methamphetamines, steroids, or prescription medications.
Behaviors that contribute to problematic tobacco use include vaping, cigarette smoking, smoking an entire cigarette before the age of 13, smoking a cigarette at least once a week, and using various forms of smokeless tobacco. Vaping, in particular, has become a tremendous problem in the teen and young adult population, with research showing its negative impact on the mental and physical health of young people who engage in the behavior.
Risky behaviors that lead to unhealthy diets include not eating a balanced diet (including a sufficient amount of fruits and/or vegetables), not getting enough essential vitamins and nutrients, over-indulging in sugar-based drinks such as sodas, and not eating breakfast. Extreme caloric restriction and binging with or without purging are also inherently risky behaviors in teens.
Not getting exercise can pose problems down the line for teens. Risky behaviors related to this category include not doing any cardio activity, not attending physical education classes, watching television, playing video games, or spending time on the phone or computer for three or more hours per day.
Risky or reckless behavior can be expected in moderation. Problems arise when it becomes habitual, which is one of the primary reasons the CDC tracks this sort of data. Knowing what risk-taking behavior manifests and why can help keep teens safe and prevent injury, violence, or even death. It also gives parents key insight when determining whether their teenager requires a health intervention.
adolescents between the ages of 15-24, died due to an unintentional injury; 4,678 died due to homicide; and 4,600 died because of suicide.
Knowing these teen risk behaviors can help keep teens safe and prevent injury, violence, or even death.
SEE HOW PARADIGM HELPS ADDRESS TEEN RISK BEHAVIORS
With a legacy spanning over a decade, Paradigm Treatment has been a beacon of hope for teens and young adults aged 12 and 26 who are grappling with mental health challenges. Our proficient medical and clinical personnel are dedicated to addressing the fundamental causes of the difficulties faced by today’s youth in an increasingly stressful world. They are well-versed in the risky behaviors that can present alongside certain mental health conditions.
We provide effective treatment for a range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, mood, and personality disorders, along with co-existing substance abuse issues. If you have any questions or are looking for guidance, please reach out to us today.
NEED HELP NOW? PLEASE CALL (855) 921-4973 TO SPEAK WITH OUR ADMISSIONS COUNSELOR.
The Center for Disease Control. Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System: 2011 National Overview. Retrieved on April 9, 2014 from: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/yrbs/pdf/us_overview_yrbs.pdf
The Center for Disease Control. 10 Leading Causes of Death by Age Group, United States – 2010. Retrieved on April 9, 2014 from: http://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/pdf/10LCID_All_Deaths_By_Age_Group_2010-a.pdf
