Why Do Adolescents Do Stupid Things?

Adolescence is a phase with increased risk-taking behavior and impulsivity; as an adult, it is easy to forget what life was like as a teenager. Yesterday, I read a post online from a teacher who wanted other parents to know that there's an outbreak of chlamydia in the school. Teens have been hiding their vapes in their private areas and sharing vapes in the school bathroom. I read another article about teens lacing grape juice with opioids. Adolescents are taking more risks than we probably experienced at that age.

As adults, our minds mature, we have more experiences and lessons learned, and we have become preoccupied with our jobs, relationships, and responsibilities. The stressors and obstacles of adulthood can overshadow our memories of what it was like to be a teenager. However, it's important to remember that adolescence is a unique and challenging time in life, and our experiences as teenagers can shape who we are as adults.

There is nothing a parent can do to change a teenager's perception. Ever wear a pair of drunk simulation goggles? Adolescents perceive the world entirely differently than we do as adults.

Alan E. Kazdin, former president of the American Psychological Association, and Carlo Rotella, director of American studies at Boston College, said as adolescents' social-emotional system matures, they seek more stimulation. But the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that controls self-regulation, still needs to be developed enough in teens to exert control over their impulses. Consequently, this leads to teenage risk behaviors.

While we can typically recognize our mistakes, the same cannot be said for our thinking errors. We often fail to see these errors, even though they exist, and may only realize them if someone points them out to us. And even then, we may still resist acknowledging them, allowing us to justify irresponsible or self-defeating actions that we continue to take.

For adolescents, thinking errors can lead to trouble when they become aggressive, take unnecessary risks, avoid taking responsibility, or attempt to manipulate others. Adolescents are particularly susceptible to these errors as they are in a developmental stage where they must learn to navigate life's challenges. They need to figure out (on their own) how to manage their anxiety, meet their responsibilities, follow through on tasks, and communicate openly and honestly. 

Adults often attribute risky adolescent behavior to a perceived sense of invulnerability. However, it's essential to recognize that some teenagers engage in risky behaviors because they feel vulnerable and hopeless. Regardless of the reason, these perceptions can lead to poor decision-making that puts them at risk of physical or psychological harm. This can have a detrimental impact on their long-term health and well-being.

Despite the challenges of adolescence (and raising one), it's important to remember that it's also a time of great possibility and growth. It's when we develop our sense of self, learn new skills, and explore new interests. The experiences we have as teenagers can shape who we are as adults, and it's important to honor and value those experiences. 

In conclusion, adolescence is a unique and challenging time marked by increased risk-taking behavior and impulsivity. As adults, we may forget what it was like to be a teenager and the challenges that come with it. However, it's important to remember that these experiences shape who we are as adults. Adolescents are in a developmental stage where they must learn to navigate life's challenges and manage their emotions and responsibilities. While risky behavior may be attributed to a sense of invulnerability, it's crucial to recognize that some teenagers engage in risky behaviors because they feel vulnerable and hopeless. As a society, we must do our part in supporting adolescents through their challenges and acknowledging their experiences, enabling them to develop into healthy and resilient adults.