As a parent or guardian, your teen’s safety is at the forefront of your mind as he goes through a phase characterized by exploration, growing independence, and, sometimes, a bit of rebellion. But while he begins to explore his identity, push his autonomy, and test many boundaries, he also gets exposed to more risks, particularly of getting injured.
In the US, injury is the leading cause of death among children and teens – mostly from preventable incidents, such as vehicular accidents, assault, or sports injuries. This is a concerning statistic as it involves the well-being and safety of the young population, highlighting the critical need for awareness and education campaigns aimed at preventing such unfortunate outcomes.
Why The Risk Of Injury Increases For Teens
Teenagers embracing their growing freedom engage in a broader range of activities, including participating in sports, learning to drive, spending more time with peers outside the home, and exploring new hobbies. Moreover, the teenage inclination towards testing limits and trying new things sometimes includes risky behaviors, with consequences that may already be beyond their control.
These experiences are essential for their development but, at the same time, expose teens to new scenarios where injuries could occur. For example, unfamiliar physical activities or sports might lead to accidental bruises, and the experience of learning to drive introduces risks associated with road safety.
Meanwhile, the search for acceptance, identity, and independence may lead some teenagers to experiment with actions that, without the proper precautions or awareness, increase the likelihood of injuries. Parents, educators, and caregivers must understand this context to open conversations about safety, aiming not to curb their independence or need to explore but rather to ensure they make safer choices during their journey toward adulthood.
Common Causes Of Teen Injury
Accidents can happen anytime, but many injuries are preventable when you lead by example and provide your teen with the right tools and information to enhance his safety. Here are some of the common causes of teen injuries and how you can help your teen avoid them:
- Road Traffic Accidents
Motor vehicle incidents are notorious for causing injuries among adolescents, particularly those between 16 to 19 years old, due to their lack of experience, risk-taking behavior, and high tendency for distracted driving. “Drivers on the road today often become distracted by phones, neglect traffic signs, and fail to pay attention to vehicles around them,” says Alan Neufeld, Miami car accident lawyer.
One way to prevent this is by making your teen participate in the Graduated Driver Licensing program, which gives him hierarchical privileges, or defensive driving courses that can improve his situational preparedness and strict adherence to traffic norms. Aside from these, constantly remind him of basic safety rules like wearing seatbelts, whether as a driver or passenger, as doing so can dramatically decrease the damage to his body and potentially save his life in case of an accident.
- Sports Injuries
While sports can enhance your teen’s physical and mental health and teach them essential life skills, recent studies have revealed that by age 13, nearly 70% of young athletes tend to withdraw from organized sports programs. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the most likely reasons for this are injuries caused by overtraining and repetitive stress, as their young bodies possess growing bones that can be less capable of withstanding recurring strain than adults.
To address these concerns, experts recommend that teens join appropriate and progressive training programs that will enable their young bodies to build strength and endurance over time. You should also make sure that protective equipment, such as helmets for cycling or protective pads for inline skating, are always worn during sports activities, as these can significantly shield your teen from injuries. Lastly, young athletes must be given proper rest and nutrition, which means adequate fluid intake, a balanced diet, and sufficient breaks between sports activities.
- Self-Harm and Suicide
Mental health struggles can, unfortunately, drive teenagers toward engaging in self-damaging behaviors like inflicting harm on themselves as a way to cope during challenging times. In this situation, a parent’s role is to promote a nurturing environment and encourage open communication, allowing the teen to freely express his emotions and thoughts without fear of judgment.
When you actively listen to what he has to say and encourage him to share his struggles early on, it will be easier for you to intervene and provide support when necessary. However, if you observe signs that your teen may be battling with mental health issues, it’s best to consult with mental health professionals who have the experience and training needed to handle these complex situations properly.
- Assault
Despite your efforts to protect him, your teen may still encounter violence in his daily environments, such as in the school or your neighborhood, posing a serious risk to his safety. In the worst scenario, physical assaults can lead to severe and even life-threatening injuries, which is why you need to equip your teen with strategies that will help him mitigate these risks effectively.
One option is teaching him non-violent ways to manage disagreements, such as verbal de-escalation skills, so he knows how to defuse tense situations without physical confrontation. You should also encourage your teenager to remain vigilant about his environment, always keeping alert to who and what is around him to avoid unsafe scenarios that might escalate into violence. At the same time, he can join community safety initiatives or clubs designed for the youth, as these activities offer a place for positive interaction, allowing teenagers to thrive and develop socially, emotionally, and intellectually within a secure setting.
