Risky Business

Research shows that the brain development of humans is not complete until the early to mid-20s. Teenagers struggle under the stresses of physical, mental, emotional and cognitive changes. Because their brains are still developing, their ability to make decisions and control impulses is not fully formed. This leads to reckless behavior when it comes to things like sex, drugs, alcohol and driving, to name a few. Adolescents are at the height of their physical strength, flexibility, and immunity of their lifespans. Nevertheless, death rates for 15 - 24 year-olds are more than three times the mortality rates of elementary school children. (Adolescent Risk Taking) There are three types of conduct that have been found by The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that lead to the cause of death and illness in adolescents. They are listed below. (Youth Risk Behavior)

• · Injury and violence is the leading cause of death in adolescent’s age 10 - 24 years of age. Adolescent deaths are most often a result of motor vehicle crashes- 30%; homicides- 15%, and suicide- 12%.
• · Alcohol and drug use is a factor in approximately 41% of deaths related to motor vehicle crashes. More youth in the U.S. use alcohol than tobacco or drugs.
• · Risky sexual behaviors – almost half of the 19 million new sexually transmitted infections diagnosed each year in the U.S. are adolescents 15 - 24 years old. Thirty-nine percent of sexually active high school students report not using a condom during their last sexual intercourse.

Due to the underdevelopment of the pre-frontal cortex of teens, they make unwise choices regarding sex. Unless they are educated early about the consequences of these risky behaviors, they will continue to make these choices. Though it may be uncomfortable for parents and health teachers, it is crucial that sex education be introduced early, and that the children are given examples of responsible choices. Teens take risks to examine and express themselves, as they are learning who they are during this period. So while some risk-taking can be detrimental, sometimes it helps them too. These choices can make way to learning new skills, and knowledge that can benefit them in the future. Though risk-taking functions as a method of finding out about oneself, other people and the greater environment, it needs to be monitored by parents and teachers to make sure it doesn’t get out of control. (Sexual Risk Behavior in Teens)



One recent 2011 study by the CDC details a survey of high school teens regarding high-risk sexual behavior. See the results of the survey below.

• · 47.4% had ever had sexual intercourse
• · 33.7% had had sexual intercourse during the previous 3 months, and, of these
• o 39.8% did not use a condom the last time they had sex
• o 76.7% did not use birth control pills or Depo-Provera to prevent pregnancy the last time they had sex
• · 15.3% had had sex with four or more people during their life

These statistics, while alarming, show that students need more detailed information and guidance about embracing and implementing lifetime positions and conducts that promote health and safety. There is also new evidence that links early sexual experiences to emotional problems later in life, such as depression. Adolescent Sex and Brain Development


Trends in the Prevalence of Sexual Behaviors (CDC Report)

Very interesting video about a case against abstinence education with Lawrence Steinburg: