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Teens often are risk takers. They believe they are invincible, that nothing bad
happens to young people. They may not see the possible results of their actions.
Drugs and alcohol pose the greatest threat to teenagers. Seventy percent of
injuries to teens are associated with the use of drugs or alcohol.
Peer pressure is strong, and teens tend to rebel. By talking regularly with teens,
parents have a better chance of influencing their activities. Good habits taught to
young children are carried into the teen years.
The leading causes of death for teens include:
- Motor vehicle crashes, when not wearing seat belts.
- Homicide.
- Suicide.
- Bicycle and motorcycle accidents when riding without a helmet.
- Drowning in pools after climbing fences.
- Drowning or diving injuries when swimming in unfamiliar water.
- Pedestrians hit by motor vehicles.
- Accidents from guns and explosives.
- Assault with blunt objects.
- Assault with cutting objects.
- Sports injuries.
Advice about tobacco
Cigarette use among teens steadily has increased in recent years. Smokeless
tobacco (chewing tobacco and snuff) has become popular among teenage boys.
Make certain your teenager understands the health risks associated with tobacco.
These dangers include lung disease and cancer.
One of the best predictors of teen smoking is parent smoking. If you want your
teen to be smoke free, consider quitting yourself before your child is at risk.
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