Image of a teen girl speaking with her dad. She has a neutral expression and is listening intently to what he has to say.

Risk-taking and teenagers

Risk taking in the teenage years is common and it's natural for you to worry about your child if they’re taking unnecessary or dangerous risks. There are a number of things that you can try to help your teenager learn how to take positive risks. If you'd like to understand more about why risk taking is a common part of teenage life, read our fact sheet on risk taking and teenagers.

Otherwise, see below for our top tips on what you can do to help your teenager take risks safely.

three young people drinking alcohol

Risk-taking in teenagers

Not all risk taking is negative, some risky behaviour can have a positive impact on your teenager.

mother and son talking

Balance trust and freedom with your teenager

Learn about balancing trust and freedom to help your teenager be independent.

two girls playing footy

Promote positive risk-taking with consequences

Help your teenager manage the risks they take by setting meaningful consequences.

Daughter with back to mother and arms crossed in kitchen

Help your teenager develop self-control

Help your teenager develop self-control and manage the risks they take.

boy walking away from mother

A parent's story about risk-taking

Read Lila's story about her son Dylan and his risk-taking behaviour.

son walking away from house

A parent's story about self-control

Read Cate's story about her son Anthony and his self-control.

Related topics

How to build trust in your teensThe importance of friendships during adolescenceUnderstanding teenage peer pressureTalking with your teen about mental health
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We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

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