High risk, high reward? Understanding youth risk-taking

Youth (ages ~12-25) is a period marked by increased risk-taking, a behavior often viewed negatively due to its association with dangerous activities such as substance abuse, unprotected sex, and violence. However, not all risk-taking is harmful. Activities like starting a new friendship, trying out a new sport, or joining a club are risky but promote positive growth and self-discovery. In fact, risk-taking is a normal part of youth development from a neurobiological, psychological and social perspective. Understanding the reasons behind both healthy and unhealthy risk-taking is critical to helping young people develop in safe and constructive ways.

Why do youth take more risks?

Several factors drive this heightened risk-taking during adolescence. Neurodevelopment plays a major role. While the emotional and reward centers of the brain mature early, the prefrontal cortex —the area just behind the forehead responsible for impulse control and decision-making—continues developing until the mid-20s. This developmental ‘gap’, extending almost a decade, leads to greater impulsivity, making risk-taking more likely; this is especially true in emotionally-charged situations, like in the presence of peers or when a big reward is at stake. This leads to decisions driven more by emotion rather than by rational thought and self-regulation.

From a psychological standpoint, adolescents often struggle with impulse control and may not fully understand the long-term consequences of their actions—in fact, the concept of long-term is often too abstract for the young. Many also experience a sense of invincibility, believing they are immune to harm, which can lead to dangerous decisions.

action,consequence

It’s important to recognize that ongoing brain maturation during youth is not a flaw. In fact, researchers suggest that the developmental mismatch between emotional and cognitive control may offer an evolutionary advantage. In ancient times, young people needed to venture beyond their home environment to form new connections, hunt, find potential mates, and start living independently. While the reasons for certain traits may not always be clear, in this case, the vulnerability to risk-taking during adolescence can actually promote learning, flexibility, and adaptability—key skills needed for navigating the challenges of adulthood.

It’s also important to note that social factors are very influential in youth risk-taking. Peer pressure is one of the strongest contributors to risky behaviors, as youth often engage in these activities to gain social acceptance or maintain popularity. For instance, young people are more likely to use substances or engage in sexual activity if they think their peers are doing the same, even without knowing for certain.

Public health interventions: What works?

While not all youth engage in unhealthy risk-taking, many do, and some display dangerous behaviours that may have underlying psychopathological causes. In high-income countries, billions of dollars are spent annually on educating youth about the risks of drugs, binge drinking, unprotected sex, reckless driving, and more. Some of these programs are warranted as they may serve to offset the costs related to extreme risk-taking behaviour, such as minors driving under the influence. While public health programs aimed at reducing risky behaviors are common, their effectiveness is often limited. Research suggests that simply providing information is insufficient. Youth are smart and are often fully aware that certain behaviours are risky, but a combination of neurobiological, psychological, and social factors in their lives may still drive them to engage in these actions. Instead, more targeted interventions are needed, such as those that address specific skills related to risk reduction and take into account the various factors influencing youth development.

Interventions aimed at improving self-regulation, fostering positive self-esteem, and enhancing family connections have shown promise in reducing unhealthy risk-taking. At a broader level, population-based strategies, such as raising the legal age for smoking or increasing access to sexual health services, can also play a role in curbing problematic behaviors.

Conclusion

Youth risk-taking is a multifaceted aspect of development, shaped by brain maturation, psychological growth, and social influences. While unhealthy risks can have serious consequences, healthy risk-taking is essential for personal development. Effective public health interventions must integrate these perspectives to reduce harmful behaviors and promote positive development. 

By supporting youth in navigating risks wisely, we can help them explore the world in a balanced and healthy way.

By Kristin Davis