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Tips for keeping your teens in line

Following the death of Melbourne teen James Wilkinson from train surfing, Michael Carr-Gregg has been bombarded by parents asking him what steps they can take to reduce risk taking behaviour in their teenagers.

Michael says although it can be stressful for parents, teenagers and risk-taking go hand in hand. Teenagers need to explore their own limits and abilities, as well as the boundaries parents set. It's part of their path to becoming independent young adults This means that wrapping them in cotton wool is likely to backfire.

Dr Carr-Gregg says that there is an important distinction between healthy risk talking and unhealthy risk taking.

When teens are with friends they are more susceptible to the potential rewards of a risk than they are when they are alone. And if kids are bored - you increase the likelihood of unhealthy risk taking.

If your teen is out of control consider seeking help and support.


Michael Carr-Gregg’s tips for keeping your teen in line
- Know their personality and temperament
- Monitor them and know their peers
- Keep the lines of communication open
- Create ground rules
- Establish a 'bail out system'
- Encourage safe and constructive activities

Related links
Follow Michael Carr-Gregg on Twitter: @MCG58
Reachout.com.au - youth support website
Lifeline - Call 131144

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  1. sophia02:29pm Thursday 09th February 2012 ESTReport Abuse

    What was that movie by Jack Black where he went to year 1 as in the stoneage, I wonder if there were any portrayals of this behaviour there and parents trying to stop it?

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