Risky Business of Teens 2018-03-28

Risky Business: Why Adolescents Love Risk-Taking and How We Can Help Manage It -- Recent research on the adolescent brain clearly demonstrates that adolescents perceive and process risk assessment in ways that are remarkably unlike adults. Changes in receptor site numbers and sensitivity, neurotransmitter action, and social-emotional responses all combine to influence how teens evaluate risk. During this presentation, Michael Nerney offers ways to think about and talk about adolescent risk reduction, including access to structured risk taking, and the use of “gist” language. These concepts can be applied across the spectrum of adolescent risky behaviors, including drug and alcohol use, sexual activity, and others. Sponsored by ParentIN Burlington & BPHC. For more information: www.burlingtonpartnership.org