Risk taking behaviour is a normal part of adolescent development. Risk taking can be positive and helps shape us, our values and ethics.
Unfortunately young people can and do engage in risk taking behaviours which can have negative consequences on their health and well being, these can include drug and alcohol use, unprotected sex, anti-social behaviour and risky behaviour involving motor vehicles.
In addition a UNICEF report published in January 2007 found that, young people in the UK are disproportionately engaging in behaviours that risk their health and wellbeing when compared to young people in other OECD (organisation for economic co-operation and development) countries.
Why should we focus on Risk-Taking Behaviours?
Evidence for traditional drug and alcohol prevention approaches is low, by which I mean educational approaches which only focus on the behaviour (e.g Drug taking) and the possible consequences (e.g. health, offending).
We know that this approach is relatively ineffective in changing behaviour in children and young people.
Most young people know you should wear a condom to prevent against STI’s for instance but we know many go on to engage in unprotected sex.
This highlights the reality that it’s relatively easy to change opinions and attitudes, but much harder to change behaviour.
So can we get a better response by focusing on those young people identified as possibly more likely to engage in risk taking behaviour?
I guess the question could be, do young people take Drugs or Risks?
Mark Bowles
