Explanation · Risk behavior
What is risk behavior?
This overview explains, What does risky behavior mean in adolescence?, or when is it a normal stage of development and when does it become a cause for concern. Risk, risks or risky behavior is something that is usually associated with negative thoughts and feelings. However, this should not always be the case, as risk behavior can also be seen as a necessary developmental stage of adolescence. Teenagers' interest in new experiences, including taking various risks, is a natural and important developmental task.
Are you looking for a general definition of the word or adult risk behavior? This page focuses specifically on teenage behavior and how parents and professionals can respond.
When does risky behavior become dangerous?
By pushing boundaries and taking risks, teenagers develop independence and can grow and develop through this. This can be a difficult time for the adults around them, but it is important to remember that this is a sign of their healthy development and that teenagers are designed to seek independence and freedom. At the same time, it is important that risk-taking behavior remains socially acceptable and does not become serious, where the outcomes of the risk-taking behavior are uncertain or have increasingly serious consequences.
Risk-taking behavior changes from a socially acceptable normal developmental stage to a worrying risk-taking behavior when teenagers begin to take risks that endanger their safety and/or the safety of others, and these risks may have long-term lasting consequences. This is high-risk behaviour. High-risk behaviour can have a detrimental effect on the well-being, health and development of the young person, as well as the well-being and health of others. It affects the young person's physical and mental health, the development of social skills and their future prospects.
High-risk behavior includes, for example:
- Constant use of substances of pleasure (smoking, alcohol consumption, drug use)
- Violent behavior towards other people (both mental and physical violence)
- Breaking property
- Car theft
- Self-harm (e.g., constant cutting, scratching, burning)
- Suicide attempts
- Bullying
- Constant neglect of school obligations
- Constant overnight stays away from home
- Sexual risk behavior (unsafe sex, sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancy)
“I truly believe that every young person can be helped if we truly listen to them, identify their needs, address the root causes of their behavior, offer support, and at the same time support the adults around them.”
Enelis Linnas, founder and board member of MTÜ Sa Suudad
Why does risk behavior occur?
Risk behavior rarely has a single cause. It is usually the result of a combination of factors, at multiple levels at once.
Individual
Traumatic experiences, special needs, low self-esteem
Family
Family relationships, supervision, parenting style
School
Bullying, teacher relationships, curriculum suitability
Peers
The spirit of the Kamba, the search for recognition, the environment
A complete overview of all four levels
Along with specific steps to take at each level.
Preventing escalation of risky behavior
Low self-esteem can lead to riskier behavior, so it's important to work on developing a child's positive self-esteem from an early age. This will help them build relationships and make good decisions later in life.
It is important to talk about making safe choices when adults are not present and to give clear signals that it is safe to let them know when they need help and that they will not be punished for seeking help.
Young people don't always use the best judgment when with their friends, so it's helpful to plan with them in advance how they will behave when risky opportunities arise.
When talking to a young person about taking risks, you should not threaten punishment, because this will direct the young person's attention to how to avoid getting caught, rather than engaging in risky behavior at all.
Practical communication principles for working with young people
Specific keywords for establishing a trusted contact.
Frequently asked questions
Is my child just a teenager or is this worrying risk behavior?
Seeking new experiences and testing boundaries is a normal part of adolescence. Risk-taking behavior becomes a concern when it endangers the safety of the young person or others and has long-term lasting consequences, such as persistent substance use, self-harm, or persistent truancy, rather than an isolated experiment.
How to talk to a young person about risks without punishing them?
Avoid threatening punishment if they get caught, as this will focus on avoiding getting caught, not on safety. Make it clear that the goal is their well-being, for example: “It’s not about whether you’ll get caught, it’s about whether you’ll get hurt.” Plan ahead with them how they will handle risky situations.
What to do if a young person is already behaving at high risk?
First, look for the causes of the behavior, not just the symptoms. Establish a trusting relationship, avoid blaming, and consistently stay by the young person's side, regardless of how they behave. If necessary, contact a specialist or an experienced confidant.
Does risky behavior mean there is something wrong with me as a parent?
No. Risky behavior usually has multiple interacting causes, at the individual, family, school, and peer levels, rather than one clear culprit. What matters most is what is done next: whether the young person receives consistent support and understanding.
Need help or want to know more?
Depending on whether you are looking for urgent help, support for a young person, or training for your team.