Commenters on the AJC Get Schooled blog had a range of reactions to emerging brain research that shows teens are wired for risk, especially when they have an audience of peers. That’s why passengers dramatically increase the chances of car accidents for teen drivers. Here is a sampling of comments under each poster’s chosen screen name:
Prof: Adolescent brains also seem wired to favor immediate over delayed gratification. They want things now, not later. I saw that in school in relation to assigned homework, test-taking … schoolwork in general. They got better by their 20s — those who were still in school.
Old Timer: I think parents a generation or two ago did a much better job of keeping kids in check. I did not want my folks mad at me, so I made good choices.
Grump: I was a teenager in the '60s. I did lots of stupid stuff and made lots of bad choices. I really didn't give two hoots what my parents thought. My dad would pull off the belt and whale the tar out of me from the time I can remember until I got big enough to take it away from him. Parents have to find the line between too strict and not strict enough. Either extreme is bad. Teens are rebellious enough naturally. Teens are going to take inappropriate risks. As a parent, I wanted to minimize the risks my kids took, yet make sure my kids could and would come to me for help when they made a mistake. I didn't fully succeed in that effort, but I guess nobody really does.
Buck: How much money do we have to spend to find out (most) teenagers don't have a lick of sense, and many parents are getting that way as well? Tell 'em not to behave in a certain manner, and what do you get?
Class: All brains are wired to favor immediate gratification over delayed gratification. Our current teenagers just expect immediate gratification because that is what they have been taught.
EastATL: As an educator of some 40 years, I learned long ago that when you ask a teenage boy why he did something, his response will be, "I don't know." This response shouldn't anger anyone; the boy simply cannot put into words the motivation behind his acts because they are so often spontaneous, reactionary, done without thinking. I hate to say this, but this is why teenage boys make the best soldiers. Even at 18 or 19, they still think they're invincible.
South: Yes, kids' brains are wired for certain levels of risk that varies from kid to kid. Parents can only be vigilant and try to head off problems that pop up. You just can't be certain that a studious kid, given a crazy opportunity, won't do something stupid. Staying close and talking to kids without shouting them down and doing something stupid yourself is the best way. Just like the long view of life, there are no guarantees, so exercising good judgment and staying close without smothering is the best way. When you model a behavior of moderation and kindness, the chances are always better for your kid.
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