Sara Villanueva, Ph.D.

St. Edward’s University

What do we mean by risk?Types:

Behaviors that contribute to injuries and violence

Behaviors that lead to unwanted pregnancies and STIs

Alcohol or Drug use Tobacco use Unhealthy dietary and physical activities

Most teens do a few stupid things, but only a few get into real trouble

Normal tool in development (not just humans)

Teens define their identity; test abilities

Rates of risky behaviors fluctuate

Teen Risk has been around a long time, but things have changed: the environment

Involved in more motor vehicle accidents & fatalities

Commit more crimes (both property and violent crimes)

Engage in more binge drinking Are less likely to practice safe sex Attempt suicide more often

But, here is the $6 Million Dollar Question:

100% Hormones100% Peer Pressure100% Invincibility/ImmortalityPARENTS!

GeneticsContextSocial WorldEvolutionary PerspectiveThe Teen BRAIN!

Studies involving identical twins

Novelty seeking has genetic basis

No single gene to blame

Stress & Pressure Taxing on emotional

and cognitive resources Puberty happening

sooner Drugs more

serious/stronger School, Jobs, high

expectations Teen focus: Social

benefits

What does it look like?How do they maneuver it?Peer pressure in the new worldCyber bullying

Some scientists suggest that we take certain risks because through our evolutionary history it, too, has enhanced our chances for survival Makes us

“tougher/stronger” Makes us more

appealing to mates

Prefrontal Cortex Not fully developed Paradoxical effects of

brain development Teen brain programmed

to seek novelty & thrills Dopamine!

How do we keep them out of the courtroom? Truancy:

Seventeen states have laws requiring young people to stay in school or maintain a certain GPA to earn or keep their drivers licenses

ContextOffer more creative, NOVEL, but ACCEPTABLE outlets for teens to be adventurous, rebellious, etc.

Using a Jury of their Peers YOUR SUGGESTIONS