SNOWBALLS What risks do young people face more than any other age groups? Youth and Risk   Why do young people display risky behaviour? What risks are they exposed to ? What function might risky behaviour serve for the individual? What about for society?

Teenage Brains are different to adults Undeveloped prefrontal cortex in conjunction with a strong desire for reward. As it happens, this combination could explain a lot of stereotypical teenage behaviour. To leave the nest, you have to get comfortable taking a few chances. But not being able to reign in thrill-seeking impulses can have devastating effects, particularly when alcohol, nicotine and drugs enter the picture. This is also around the time when teenagers get behind the wheel of a car for the first time, as well as when they might be engaging in sexual behaviors.

Risk associated with Nightlife Hegemonic Recreational Nightlife Model (HRNM) and its principal characteristics are: Spreads very quickly Its presence makes difficult the existence of other models of entertainment Alcohol and other illegal drugs are used as a frequent tool (fast-leisure, fast-pleasure) There are risks for health and security (drugs use, sex, drive ing, violence)

Gender differences in risk behaviours alcohol

3 1 2 1 Females show significant higher levels of occasional consumption (1-3 times a month) 2 Similar levels for weekly consumption 3 Males show higher levels in frequent consumption

Gender differences in Illegal Drugs

Gender differences in risk behaviours CANNABIS 1 2 1 Women show higher % of abstinence 2 Men show higher % of frequent consumption

COCAINE

Violence Scientific evidence shows a relationship between recreational nightlife, alcohol & drug consumption and violent behaviour: Therefore higher rates of alcohol and drug consumption may also explain higher rates of violence in males. However there is a strong link between misuse and violence for both genders

Gender differences in risk behaviours Violence Significant higher levels for the 3 behaviours in men (except in cities of Brno & Berlin)

Gender differences in Risky driving

This chart demonstrates that of the different age and sex drivers on the previous slide, young men are most likely to be involved in a crash in which they themselves are killed. The blue line is male driver deaths and the pink line is female driver deaths. Both peak in in the late teens/early twenties age group – so this is the age you’re most vulnerable as a driver. Young men aren’t just most likely to kill themselves – they are also often responsible for the deaths of others. According to Government statistics, out of convictions for ‘causing death by dangerous driving’ in 2005, 28% were against drivers under 21 and xx% were against male drivers. This doesn’t mean if you’re female you’re off the hook and you don’t have to worry about being in road crashes. Any one of us can be involved in a horrendous road crash. These statistics show that if you’re young – especially male – your chances of being involved in a serious road crash are greater. BUT there are actions we can all take to be safer as drivers and passengers and reduce the risks we face – which is what this presentation is all about. Young drivers, especially young male drivers, are much more likely to kill themselves and others in road crashes, compared to older drivers

Using public transport revelead to be a protective factor Men show significantly higher levels of risky driving behaviour Men have about 4 times more probability to suffer a traffic crash, but this is probably because they present: Higher levels of alcohol and drug consumption Higher levels of risky driving behaviour

Gender differences in risk behaviours Driving Gender differences in risk behaviours Reasons for rejecting use of public transport by age, gender and North/ South (I) And what happens when we take a look to the gender/ age and geographical differences in reasons for not using public transport?

Gender differences in risk behaviours Risky Sexual Behaviour

Drugs and Alcohol risks 20% males and 13% females aged 15-19 say alcohol was a main reason for first sex 1 in 10 15-16 year olds have had sex after drinking that they later regretted Young people are 3x as likely to have unprotected sex when drunk Therefore positive correlation to contraction of STDs Anaesthetic effect of drugs and alcohol may be used to artificially prolong sexual encounters but this is shown to be unhealthy especially for girls.

Youth, Risk and social change Risk Theory (Cieslik and Pollack 2002) Contemporary life has become unpredictable and full of risks. This may explain problems in youth of today, here are examples:- Risk of making wrong choices ! Get married, don’t – have kids, don’t - go to uni, don’t ! Will I get divorced? Will I get a job at the end of it? Should I choose apprentiship, NVQ, A levels – if I get it wrong I may be stuck at with my parents !!!!

Risk continued Young people who make wrong choices can end up homeless, criminalised or stigmatised (teenage pregnancy) Stress combined with uncertainty leads to an array of problems seen in the young , eating disorders, drugs and suicide. However some may embrace this uncertainty as meaning they can make their own choices, for example many jobs young people are applying for now did not exist in their parent’s day. (Roberts 1997)

SOCIAL CHANGE - SHIFT HAPPENS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeoKQbT8BKs