Youth at Risk

September 22, 2008—Change doesn't have to come about by taking action. Sometimes it's the things we don't do that create change. And the 1.5 billion young people living in the world today are a powerful example of this, because they can contribute hugely to growth and development in their countries by avoiding risky behavior that imposes enormous burdens on themselves, their families, and society at large.

What Is Risky Behavior?

Risky behavior refers to actions that hinder a person's development and successful integration into society. This behavior includes:

• Dropping out of school
• Having unsafe sex
• Participating in criminal or violent activities
• Substance abuse

For many, this risky behavior leads to negative outcomes such as unemployment, adolescent pregnancy, drug or alcohol addiction, or imprisonment.

• Unprotected sex is the primary form of HIV transmission among young people, and every day around 6,000 young people are infected with the virus
• Girls aged 15–19 account for one in four unsafe abortions—about 5 million each year
• In Nepal and Indonesia, almost 60 % of all males aged 15–24 are smokers
• Half of all murders and violent crimes in Jamaica are committed by males aged 18–25, who make up 10 % of the population

These are just a few examples of how young people's risky behavior can seriously hamper not only their personal development, but social and economic development in general.

Who are Youth at Risk?

Youth at risk are those who face environmental, social and family conditions that lead them to engage in behaviors that are harmful to themselves and society. These factors include:

• Low connectedness with school
• Low connectedness with their parents
• Gender roles and expectations
• Low self-esteem
• Family poverty
• Poor legislation

All of these factors can lead to risky behavior including school repetition, early entry into the job market, early and unsafe sex, illicit drugs, alcohol and tobacco use and violence.

While a country's overall environment, e.g. a dynamic private sector, solid legal infrastructure and good governance can help prevent risky behavior, it is not enough of a deterrent. Rather, it's important for governments to invest in youth and create policies that can protect young people from negative environments and guide them to make healthy and safe choices.

What about you? Has risky behavior affected your life, or have you seen its effect on other people? What social and economic conditions lead youth in your country to engaging in risky behavior?

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