Saving Teens From Themselves

You've probably read an article about a teen, driving at an absurd speed, in a car filled with peers and perhaps alcohol or illegal substances. The story ends in tragedy.

As a reader, I am filled with grief for the families and friends who suffer the loss of a loved one. Then sometimes I wonder, "What were they thinking?"

Sometimes, it may turn out, they simply weren't thinking.

Are you wondering why teens engage in risky behavior, even those teens who have participated in educational interventions to the contrary? An article by Sharon Jayson in USA Today points out that the brains of teens are still not completely developed despite the privileges that society grants them in their teen-aged years.

Temple University psychologist Laurence Steinberg thinks he has the answer after analyzing ten years of research. "Education alone does not work. It's doesn't seem to affect their behavior," Steinberg has concluded.

He advocates laws that discourage risky behavior. He wants to see more laws that increase the driving age, charging more for cigarettes, and penalizes reckless driving. Of course, these laws need to be actively enforced to really discourage teens from dangerous behavior.

Why do we need to protect teens with tight societal constraints?

Simply put, there is a disconnect in the still immature brain of a teen between what they've learned and the behavioral choices they make. Psychologist and author Michael Bradley points out that "Kids will sign drug pledges. They really mean that, but when they get ina park on a Friday night with their friends, that pledge is nowhere to be found in their brain structure."

What does this research mean to parents? Laurence Steinberg recommends that parents must help their children make wise decisions but also parents must be actively monitoring their teen's activities.

Isabel Sawhill, co-director or the Center on Children and Families at the Brookings Institution advocates a middle ground that includes the education programs.

I think everyone is right. I think a three-pronged approach is needed.

1. Educational institutions and other organizations need to continue to efforts to teach teens about the dangers of risky behavior.
2. Parents need to closely monitor their teens' activities. I know this is easier said than done.
3. Society needs to use laws and other consequences to discourage risky behavior.

That's what The Four-Eyed Observer thinks.