Most parents will have a sex education plan for their kids, but when it comes to “risk education” very few people discuss this topic with their children. Read on to learn about the importance of “risk education”.

Risk taking is a very important part of growing up. Teenagers will take a wide variety of risks, many (if not most) will cause parents some angst. Reckless driving, drug taking, binge drinking, and unprotected sex are four typical risky activities taken by teenagers as they try and insert their independence.

Risks can be broadly arranged into two categories.

Destructive risks, such as the ones mentioned above, are often illegal, dangerous, anti-social, and in the worst cases, fatal. Constructive risks, on the other hand, will allow teenagers to develop, create self confidence, and will have positive outcomes when completed.

Kids take constructive risks all the time, but these are rarely recognised by parents. Backing into a pack mark, tackling a larger boy in a rugby match, riding a large wave, even asking another teenager out on a date, all seem natural for parents, but for kids these activities can be nerve racking. Studying hard for exams, (while forgoing a social opportunity) is also a risk for teenagers. Most parents are so thrilled about this type of behaviour, they don’t realise their son or daughter may be missing out on “the party of the year”.

When it comes to managing the risk-taking activities of teenagers, the “just say no” approach is a dubious method, which is likely to receive the “it won’t happen to me” response. Much of the tension between teenage boys and mothers flows from this scenario.

I would argue a much better approach is to encourage constructive risk-taking while outlining the dangers of destructive risk taking. A perfect example of this approach occurred when a friend’s 16 year old son asked his parents if he could go to a party. The parents knew the party was likely to get out of hand, so Dad suggested a weekend surf trip for his son and friends instead. The end result included great waves where the boys pushed their limits, fantastic socialising, father and son bonding, and more independence from a worrying mum.

Any risk management strategy introduced by parents should also recognise that larger and more engaged support mechanisms for teenagers (ie parents, peers, clubs, extended families etc), will lower destructive risk taking behaviour. Bringing in a favourite uncle for a camping trip is definitely a great idea.

As teenagers spend more and more time away from their parents, giving them the tools to make sensible decisions about the activities they choose to get involved in will minimise destructive risk taking and parental angst.

As parents prepare for “the talk” for sex education, thinking about “the other talk” about risk taking is crucial. Teenage sexual mistakes are traumatic, but the consequences are rarely fatal. Getting in speeding cars, binge drinking, and brawling on the other hand, can, and often does destroy lives.

Are you ready for “the other talk”?

Posted by Iain Lygo who’s created www.adventureforlife.com.au an adventure business specialising in father and son activities, such as mountain biking, mountain climbing, surfing, canyoning, and white water rafting.
Our programs are designed to take adventurous group journeys while minimising the risks along the way with sensible planning.

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