Identifying Risky Behaviours in Children

Identifying risky behaviours in children is essential for parents to intervene early and guide their children toward healthier choices.  Adolescents feel the need to seek out new and exciting experiences. This is partly a neurological issue, as their brains are extremely sensitive to the excitement of rewarding experiences, and this can lead them to seek out strong emotions to a greater extent than children and adults (UNICEF).

Risky behaviours can range from substance abuse, reckless actions, or emotional signs that indicate potential issues. Here are several ways parents can recognise these behaviours:

1. Changes in Behaviour:

• Sudden Mood Swings: Extreme shifts in mood, irritability, or constant sadness can indicate emotional or mental health issues.
• Isolation: Withdrawing from family, friends, or previously enjoyed activities is a warning sign.
• Defiance or Rule-Breaking: Frequent confrontations, rebellion, or refusal to follow house rules can indicate a child may be engaging in risky activities.

2. Decline in Academic Performance:

• A sudden drop in grades, skipping classes, or an apparent loss of interest in school can be a sign that something is troubling the child, including distractions related to risky behaviour.

3. Physical Signs:

• Unexplained physical signs such as frequent bruises or marks may require attention.
• Change in Appearance: A sudden lack of personal hygiene or drastic changes in how they dress may signal distress or desire to fit in with a different crowd.
• Tiredness or Insomnia: Sleep disturbances or constant fatigue could be linked to substance use or emotional issues.
• Significant changes in weight, exercise routines, or eating habits may sometimes reflect emotional distress.

4. Changes in Social Circles:

• New Friends with Questionable Habits: If your child suddenly changes friend groups, especially if their new peers engage in risky behaviours (e.g., smoking, drug use), this could be a red flag.
• Secrecy: Becoming secretive about where they are going or what they are doing, or constantly wanting more privacy, might signal concerning behaviour.

5. Substance Use Indicators:

• Unusual Smells: The smell of alcohol, marijuana, or smoke on their breath, clothing, or personal spaces.
• Items Found: Discovering drugs, drug paraphernalia, or alcohol in their belongings or room.
• Changes in Appetite: Significant increases or decreases in eating habits can also be a sign of substance use.

6. Technology Use:

• Excessive Time Online: Spending excessive time on their phone or computer, especially late at night, can indicate engagement in risky online behaviours (e.g., cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, talking to strangers).
• Secretive Use of Devices: Hiding their phone or computer when parents enter the room may suggest they are engaged in inappropriate activities.

7. Emotional and Mental Health Changes:

• Signs of Depression or Anxiety: Crying frequently, expressing feelings of hopelessness, or showing signs of anxiety may indicate an underlying issue like bullying, peer pressure, or substance use.
• Talking About Death or thoughts of self-harm should be taken very seriously and addressed immediately.

8. Involvement in Dangerous or Reckless Activities:

• Increased Risk-Taking: Engaging in dangerous activities like extreme sports without proper precautions, reckless driving, or delinquent behaviour.
• Involvement in situations that require external intervention, such as disciplinary actions or contact with authorities, may indicate deeper issues.

How Parents Can Address Risky Behaviours

• Open Communication: Create a non-judgmental space where your child feels comfortable discussing their challenges.
• Set Clear Boundaries: Establish rules and consequences that help guide your child away from risky behaviour.
• Seek Professional Help: If you notice significant emotional or behavioural changes, consider seeking guidance from a counsellor, therapist, or other professionals to support your child.
• Stay Involved: Engage with your child’s school, social life, and hobbies. Know their friends and stay attuned to shifts in their environment.
• Allow him to make mistakes and take responsibility for his actions. There are 3 important elements to this point: Let the young person make his own decision, parents need to let him/her make more decisions and assume that if he/she makes mistakes, it is part of growing up and the adolescent must respect the rules established in the family as a consequence of living his or her freedom.

References:

• https://www.unicef.org/parenting/es/salud-mental/adolescentes-y-comportamientos-de-riesgo
• https://blog.indo.edu.mx/factores-de-riesgo-durante-la-adolescencia

SEN Department