The end of the school year signifies freedom, but when kids lack the maturity and responsibility to make good choices, that freedom can come at a price. Too old for summer camp and other structured activities, many teens are left to entertain themselves for long stretches of time. In addition, with many parents working, supervision can be sparse.
Many teens are able to handle the lack of structure present during the summer with no problem. Unfortunately, for some teens, having more time on their hands and less supervision means they are more likely to get involved in risky behaviors and activities. What are some of the common temptations for bored teens, and how can parents and other adults who care about kids lessen the risk?
Internet Dangers
Online, teens may be able to access questionable content, and without parental oversight, may be interacting with people that could threaten their safety. Even if they are only talking with their friends, misunderstandings can occur quickly online due to a perceived anonymity as well as a lack of body cues to help kids understand meaning. These can escalate into hostility and even into violence.
Risky Teen Driving
According to Allstate’s June 16, 2009 report “52% of Surveyed Texas Teens Admit to Drinking and Driving,” an average of 15 teens die in car crashes every day during “100 deadliest days” of summer, more than at any other time during the year. Teens are clocking more hours behind the wheel, and most of these hours are likely to be unsupervised. Even worse, teens who drive are likely to have teen passengers along for the ride, adding distractions that up the risk for an accident. Alcohol and speeding are also critical factors in teen accidents.
Temptation to Use Drugs and Alcohol
With long stretches of time available, teens may use summer as an opportunity to experiment with drugs and alcohol. Without the structure of school, their peer groups may shift; they may be more likely to spend their time with older kids, especially if they have older siblings or older teens in their neighborhood. In an effort to keep pace or appear “cool,” even teens who know better may feel pressured to partake in any available drugs or alcohol.
How Parents Can Help
There are some things parents can do to help provide more structure for their teens and their activities:
- Parents need to know where teens are and who they are with at all times. Vague answers such as “hanging out with some people,” could mean anything. Teens should be able to provide specific details about their plans. If they can’t, they shouldn’t be allowed to go.
- Parents should be sure they know the kids (and ideally, their families) their teens are spending time with.
- Teens should log a good chunk of driving time with a parent before being allowed to drive solo, or with other kids. Parents should be especially cautious about allowing their child to ride with another teen driver unless they feel extremely comfortable with that teen’s driving abilities, judgment, maturity, and common sense. Teens also need to be aware of the dangers of driving while using cell phones, texting, and other distractions.
- Rules should be set limiting internet use when parents aren’t at home. Kids should be educated on the inherent dangers of unsafe internet use, and parents should make sure they know what their kids are doing when online.
- To keep kids busy and out of trouble, families can consider the possibility of securing a part time job for their teen. Kids can learn valuable skills, earn money, and spend their long summer days in structured, productive activity.
Though summer is a time for kids to have fun, some teens need more structure and supervision than summer typically provides for them. Without it, they may be at risk for getting into trouble.
