Teenagers Behaving Badly? A Closer Look at the Complex Drivers of Recklessness in Youth

Why are teens so vulnerable to dangerous risk-taking? Research says it’s not what you think.

Popular media has spread the idea that the reason adolescents are more reckless than other age groups is because they have not yet developed the brain (executive) functions to control their impulses. However, this does not explain why teens are more into risk and recklessness than younger kids – whose executive functions – e.g. capacity to control themselves – are even less developed than teens.

Research indicates that what’s actually different in adolescents is that they are more sensitive to feel-good sensations or thrills than other age groups. So it’s not that they have less capacity for control – it’s that the temptation is way higher for them.

Will power – resisting immediate gratification for future satisfaction – depends not only on how much effortful control we have and exert (a voluntary capacity) but how tempted we are (involuntary). We can all relate to this. For example, we may not have that much trouble resisting drinking but that may not be so true when it comes to ice cream or vice versa. Or we may be able to make ourselves exercise but not be able to control our anger.

Dr. Margolies commentary:

We must recognize the lack of validity of comparing our kids to other kids, or ourselves. The intensity of kids’ impulses greatly impacts the temptation they feel – on top of the fact that kids have varying degrees of inherent capacity to pull back, transition between tasks, as well as keep abstract goals in mind – all of which affect discipline and self-control (executive functions). What’s easy for one child (or adult) is difficult for another and youth be safe and make good choices:

Guidance for Parents from Dr. Margolies:

Redirect teens’ need for intensity by encouraging risk-taking that is safe (e.g. allowing teens to make their own decisions about most things – with guidance – and not being over-protective).
Help teens find intensity in activities that aren’t so dangerous (e.g. competitive sports).
Teach self-awareness/reflection and mindfulness to help teens deal with intense feelings.

References:

Bülow, P. (2022a). How the Environment Affects the Adolescent Brain. Journal of Science, Humanities and Arts – JOSHA, 9(6). https://doi.org/10.17160/josha.9.6.856
Bülow, P. (2022b). The Vulnerability and Strength of the Adolescent Brain. Journal of Science, Humanities and Arts – JOSHA, 9(5). https://doi.org/10.17160/josha.9.5.851