In a 2021 CDC study, 2 out of 5 teens reported emotional distress during the year. Many of these teens turn to high-risk behaviors to cope, such as substance use, violence, or unprotected sex. These can lead to poor health outcomes and further exacerbate their emotional distress.
It’s normal to feel concerned by troubling teen behaviors, even if you’re unsure about the extent of such behaviors. What are the warning signs of risky behavior, how do you talk to your teen about these experiences, and where can you turn to for help?
This article covers 19 risky behaviors teens may engage in and provides guidance for how to find support.
Factors Contributing to Risky Behaviors
Some risks are natural and inherent to growth and exploration. Teens take appropriate risks when they play sports, audition for a school play, or make new friends. However, teenagers are still developing their problem-solving and decision-making skills. Their prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for impulse control—is still maturing. This development phenomenon also makes them vulnerable to risky activities.
Adolescent brains are more vulnerable to the impact of various challenges:
- Family dynamics
- Peer pressure
- Community environment
- Socioeconomic status
- Mental health conditions
Risky behaviors and mental health issues can feed into each other in a cycle. As mental health declines, risky behaviors may start to increase, which further depresses a teen’s mental health. In many situations, it becomes difficult to tell where the cycle started—which is why it’s crucial to address risky behaviors and mental health concerns together.
19 Types of Risky Teen Behaviors
Understanding teens and risky behaviors is one step in addressing and treating them. Look out for these warning signs and ask these questions to open lines of communication with your teen.
Before talking with them about specific behaviors or issues, create a pattern of empathetic communication with open questions about their life. Asking, “How are you feeling?” and “How can I support you?” on a regular basis builds trust and facilitates open communication.
1. Substance Use
Risky substance use includes underage alcohol consumption, experimenting with drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and ecstasy, and the misuse of prescription medications.
Warning Signs:
- Physical signs such as bloodshot eyes, sudden weight changes, and poor hygiene
- Behavioral signs including secretive behavior, loss of interest in activities, and academic decline
- Psychological signs like sudden changes in mood or emotional shifts
Questions to Ask:
- “Have you ever seen drugs at school or at a party? How did it make you feel?”
- “Do you find yourself using drugs or alcohol to cope with stress or emotional issues?”
- “Have you noticed any changes in your behavior or health since you started using substances?”
2. School Avoidance
Avoiding school may look different for each teen. Some may skip classes altogether, while others may stop participating in homework or extracurricular activities.
Warning Signs:
- Notices from school of frequent absences or tardiness
- Lack of interest in school activities
- Significant drop in grades and academic performance
- Expressions of frustration or defeat regarding school
Questions to Ask:
- “Is there something that’s making school difficult for you?”
- “Would you be open to working with a tutor or counselor to help you with your studies?”
- “Can we find ways to make your school experience better?”
3. Reckless Driving
Many teens are still learning to drive, but intentional disregard for rules or repeated legal offenses amounts to risky behavior.
Warning Signs:
- Traffic tickets for speeding or reckless driving
- Unexplained car damage
- Extra wear on tires
Questions to Ask:
- “How do you drive when you’re with your friends?”
- “What are your biggest distractions when driving?”
- “Can you share any experiences of feeling unsafe while driving?”
4. Unprotected Sexual Activity
Some sexual exploration is a normal part of adolescent behavior. However, unprotected sexual activity poses high risks to teens.
Warning Signs:
- STDs and questionable purchases relating to STDs
- Irregular or altered menstrual patterns in young women
Questions to Ask:
- “Do you feel comfortable talking about relationships and sex with me?”
- “What do you know about safe sex?”
- “How do you handle situations where you feel pressured into sexual activity?”
5. Cyberbullying and Online Harassment
Cyberbullying and online harassment includes posting hurtful information about others or spreading false information about others on social media. This can happen in both public and private channels.
Warning Signs:
- Spending excessive time online
- Secretive behavior regarding online activities
- Emotional distress after using the internet
- Observing harassing or abusive posts by your teen
Questions to Ask:
- “Have you ever posted something online about someone that you wouldn’t say to their face?”
- “Do you ever see messages on social media that make you uncomfortable?”
- “Have you ever targeted or encouraged others to target someone on social media?”
6. Self-Harm
Common self-harm behaviors include cutting, burning, and hitting. However, some self-injury might not be quite as obvious.
Warning Signs:
- Unexplained injuries, scars, abrasions, cuts or burns
- Blood on clothes, bed, or in the bathroom
- Wearing long sleeves in warm weather
Questions to Ask:
- “Have you ever felt so overwhelmed that you wanted to hurt yourself?”
- “Can we talk about what’s been troubling you lately?”
- “How can I support you in finding healthier ways to cope?”
7. Shoplifting
A pattern of shoplifting from stores or stealing from people—particularly for high priced items—is a risky teen behavior.
Warning Signs:
- Possession of unexplained expensive items or money
- Being defensive when answering questions regarding unexplained items
- Unexplained missing items from the home
Questions to Ask:
- “Have you ever felt the urge to steal something?”
- “What do you think drives people to steal?”
- “How do you think stealing affects others?”
2 Simple Ways to Get Started Today
“When you call Muir Wood, you will either reach me or one of my staff. Please know that we are here to help, never to sell! We are 110% committed to helping you find the best treatment for your teen and will hold your hand through the entire process. And if we aren’t an ideal fit for your child, we’ll help you find a program that is.” — Maura “Mo” Sangster, Director of Admissions
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Director of Admissions
8. Gang Involvement
Gang involvement is an especially risky behavior because it is perpetuated by social connection. It can also lead to other dangerous activities like violence and substance abuse.
Warning Signs:
- Wearing specific colors of clothing or symbols consistent with gang affiliation
- Use of hand signs or language associated with gangs
- Intense association with a new and questionable group of friends
Questions to Ask:
- “What do you know about gangs in the area?”
- “Have you ever been approached by a gang?”
- “How do you think being in a gang would affect your life?”
9. Dealing Drugs
Teens who struggle with substance use and those who do not take drugs themselves can become involved in dealing drugs with others.
Warning Signs:
- Possession of large amounts of cash without a clear source
- Having drug paraphernalia or significant quantities of drugs
- Secretive behavior, frequent unexplained absences, and sudden changes in lifestyle
- Increased phone calls or text messages, especially at odd hours
Questions to Ask:
- “Have you ever felt pressured to sell drugs?”
- “Are there any reasons why you would you consider selling drugs?”
- “Do you know the consequences of drug dealing?”
10. Runaway Behavior
Running away from home or living on the streets can lead to a variety of poor health and negative social outcomes.
Warning Signs:
- Increased secrecy
- Defiance of rules
- Threats of running away or leaving the home
- Heightened isolation
Questions to Ask:
- “Have you ever thought about running away?”
- “What makes you feel like you need to escape?”
- “How can we address the issues you’re facing at home?”
11. Risky Social Media Behavior
Teens often do not know how best to protect themselves online. If they share personal information, inappropriately engage with strangers on social media, or exchange sexually explicit messages, you may need to intervene.
Warning Signs:
- Secrecy with phone or computer use
- Unknown new connections on social media
- Multiple social media accounts on the same platform
Questions to Ask:
- “Have you ever shared personal information online?”
- “Do you understand the risks of engaging with strangers on social media?”
- “How can we ensure your online safety?”
12. Excessive Gaming
Spending too many hours on video games leads to poor outcomes for teens, including decreased health and social connection.
Warning Signs:
- Spending excessive time on their devices
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Increased fatigue or signs of sleep deprivation
Questions to Ask:
- “Have you ever kept track of how much time you spend on video games?”
- “Do you feel like gaming affects your daily responsibilities?”
- “What activities can we do together that don’t involve screens?”
13. Inadequate Sleep
Not getting enough sleep puts teens at risk. It may also be an indication of other, deeper issues such as anxiety or depression.
Warning Signs:
- Physical signs like bloodshot eyes and slow response times
- Increased irritability
- Increased caffeine usage
Questions to Ask:
- “Are you getting enough sleep at night?”
- “What do you think affects your sleep the most?”
- “Would you like help improving your sleep issues?”
14. Vaping
Vaping uses electric devices such as e-cigarettes to inhale aerosols containing nicotine, marijuana, or other chemicals.
Warning Signs:
- Possession of vaping devices
- Sweet or unusual smells
- Increased thirst
Questions to Ask:
- “What do you know about the risks of vaping?”
- “Have you noticed any changes in your health since you started vaping?”
- “Why do you think some teens choose to vape?”
15. Suicidal Ideation and Attempts
More than a quarter of teens consider ending their own life. Even when it does not result in death, suicidal ideation and attempts are significant stressors and should be addressed immediately.
Warning Signs:
- Talking about feeling hopeless
- Withdrawing from activities
- Sudden mood changes
- Giving away possessions
- Threats to end one’s like
Questions to Ask:
- “Have you ever thought about ending your life?”
- “Do you have a plan for how you would hurt yourself?”
- “Can we find someone for you to talk to about this?”
16. Abusive or Inappropriate Relationships
Risky dating behavior includes dating adult partners and experiencing abuse in dating relationships.
Warning Signs:
- Secretive behavior
- Signs of physical abuse, such as bruises and broken bones
- Emotional abuse symptoms such as a sudden increase in fear
Questions to Ask:
- “Have you ever felt unsafe or scared in your relationship?”
- “Have you ever felt pressured to keep secrets about your relationship from your friends or family?”
- “Have you ever felt obligated to stay in the relationship even when you didn’t want to?”
17. Excessive Dieting and Exercise
Excessive dieting and exercise can lead to unhealthy low weight and under-nourishment, which has long-term consequences for developing teens. It may also be a sign of an eating disorder.
Warning Signs:
- Obsession with food and body image
- Frequent exercising
- Secrecy or irritability around meal times
- Signs of binge eating or undereating
Questions to Ask:
- “Have you ever tried a diet that felt extreme?”
- “How do you feel about your eating habits and body image?”
- “Would you be open to talking to a dietician or physician?”
18. Academic Cheating
Cheating in school includes using unauthorized study resources and plagiarism.
Warning Signs:
- Unexplained and unusually high grades for your teen
- Reluctance to discuss schoolwork
- Unusual social interactions with other students
Questions to Ask:
- “Do you believe you have enough time and resources to complete your assignments honestly?”
- “Are there specific subjects or assignments that make you consider cheating more than others?”
- “Do you understand the potential consequences of cheating?”
19. Vandalism and Property Damage
The deliberate destruction of private property—whether premeditated or an act of impulse—is a risky behavior with significant legal and financial consequences.
Warning Signs:
- Possession of tools for vandalism; spray paint, etc.
- Bragging about destructive acts
- Damaged clothing
Questions to Ask:
- “Have you ever been tempted to damage property?”
- “What do you think are the consequences of vandalism?”
- “How can we channel your energy into something positive?”
Interventions for Risky Teen Behavior
Teens face a lot of stressors as they transition to adulthood. While any teen can be at risk for these risky behaviors, you can protect your teen and your family by understanding how to deal with them. Open communication and social support offer teens alternatives, making them less likely to engage in risky behaviors.
You can learn more about these behaviors from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System maintained by the CDC. They monitor both trends in risky behavior and protective behaviors that can combat poor outcomes.
If you need additional support, Muir Wood offers hope and healing for teens who struggle with mental health and/or substance use issues. Learn more about how we can help and fill out an assessment form for our treatment programs.