Taking+Risks

Taking Risks  Risk is a choice or action that could possibly result in a negative outcome. So why do we take risks? What happens in our brain when we take a risk?  Risk taking behaviour is at it's peak during our teenage years and can have very positive life lessons as a result. However, there are also risks that are negative and self destructive.  ** Positive Risks **  Even though "risk" has a negative connotation, (aka:sex, drugs, and rock & roll), some rule breaking and rebellion lets a teen develop their independance and helps them find who they are as a person. Risks such as playing a team sport, volunteering, and meeting new people can be very positive while still having the risk of rejection or failure.  ** Negative Risks **  Although many teens will take some negative risks, the majority WON'T. However, the ones that do take these risks have the possibility of it affecting the rest of thier lives or having a very bad outcome. Some negative risks include: smoking, drug/alcohol use, eating disorders, sexting, gang activity, unsafe sex, or stealing.

 ** Some Statistics **  (Statistics By: Elizabeth Donovan from //Risky Business: Why Teens Need Risk to Thrive and Grow// in Psychology Today)
 * While 40% of teens try drugs at least once, 60% //will not//.
 * Less than 25% of adolescents who try illegal substances use them; therefore the vast majority //do not//.
 * Half of all teens will experiment with alcohol which means that //half will not//.