Teen Recklessness
Drugs, violence, and sex. All of these are symptoms of one of the worst problems among today’s youth. Recklessness is the feeling of invincibility and immortality. It’s not only the main cause of car crashes and drug addictions, but it clouds the good judgment in a teen’s mind. Many a tragedy has resulted from the recklessness of teenagers.
One of the many results of teens’ irresponsibility is drug usage. Drugs are becoming a increasingly dangerous problem. Smoking contributes to over 400,000 deaths in America each year. Even if a teen has never experimented with drugs, they will probably know someone who has by the time of graduation. Nearly 10% of teens between the age of 12 and 17 have used illegal drugs. Drugs corrupt adolescences’ bodies and minds, and the temptations to experiment with them are caused by the unclear judgment of today’s youth. But drug abuse is only one consequences of recklessness.
Teen driving lacks the knowledge that they are incased in a lethal weapon. Driving accidents are yet another consequence of recklessness. Studies show that teenage drivers are involved 20% all of automobile accidents in the U.S. Careless driving has ended many young people's life. A recent survey of Georgia teens shows that 37% of teens have ridden with someone under the influence of drugs or alchohol within the last 30 days. The good news is there are laws and programs coming into play to combat irresponsible driving. For example, laws against the use of cell phones while driving, speeding, or the maximum number of friends in a car. These are the first steps to safer streets for young drivers.
Although driving and drugs pose a serious problem, there are other equally pressing issues. For instance, disobedience is a problem. Many teens deliberately disobey their parents in order to do something like sneak out. That’s the foundation for rebellion. Trouble begins at the main teen hazard zones. These are places such as un-chaparoned parties, or places where drugs are being sold and used. 69% of teens ages 10-14, and 80% ages 15-17 say they have access to drugs. Being at these types of places can put you in situations where you will have to make crucial decisions. And making a wrong decision can impact you for the rest of your life. That’s why it’s important when you’re making a decision to not be under any bad influences, whether it's emotional, physical, or environmental. These make it hard to make the right choice.
Whether you’re entering junior high, or graduating from high school, teenagers face unavoidable challenges. Some will have to decide whether or not to experiment with drugs. Others will have to escape partying pressures. Some will have to restrain the urge to drink, or drive uncontrollably. These problems are timeless and will most likely remain as such. But with a little support, and the survival instinct of all adolescents, teens can conquer recklessness.