Risk-taking behaviour in adolescents

ABSTRACT

Background: Adolescence is characterised by rapid changes in physical, cognitive, emotional and social development, and by experimentation and risk-taking, extending from the age of approximately 10 years into the early adult years. Developmental milestones achieved include a sense of identity, autonomy, a value system, peer relationships and financial independence. However, for around one in four adolescents, risktaking and mental health issues threaten healthy biopsychosocial development. Such risks are rarely detected in clinical practice without deliberate assessment within a youth-friendly framework. Objectives: The aim of this paper is to provide an update on risk-taking behaviours in adolescence and highlight tips for re-orienting general practice towards youth-friendly preventive care for adolescents. Discussion: General practice remains the health service most often accessed by young people and has important functions of engaging young people, providing positive experiences of healthcare, detecting risk and protective factors, and intervening early to promote healthy development. Future health system developments must ensure general practice has adequate time and support to provide effective preventive adolescent healthcare.