Calgary experts look at why teens take risks

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As Calgarians struggle to comprehend the sledding accident that took the lives of two teenage boys at Canada Olympic Park last weekend, experts in psychology and child development are offering some explanation as to why adolescent males sometimes take the risks they do.

Research shows the brain is still developing throughout puberty and into the late teens, even the early 20s, says Peter Choate, assistant professor in the department of child studies and social work at Mount Royal University. 

But since boys usually start puberty later than girls, their brains also take that much longer to finish developing, Choate explained, particularly the portion of the brain that allows for reasoned, decision-making.

“Boys take a little longer to develop, many into their mid-20s,” he said. “And the last part of our brain to develop is that decision-making part that says, ‘This is not a good idea.’

“The natural, reactive, impulsive thrill-seeking part of the brain is still very much alive.”

Twin 17-year-old brothers died early Saturday when a group of teen boys decided to slide down the bobsled run at Canada Olympic Park just after 1 a.m. Jordan and Evan Caldwell were killed when their sled struck a gate. Six other boys involved were also injured, with some still in hospital.

Kelly Schwartz, associate professor with the University of Calgary’s Werklund School of Education, says that research using magnetic resonance imaging has confirmed that brain development does not reach its peak in early childhood or school-age years.

In fact, brain development sees rapid growth and continues all through puberty and sometimes beyond in both males and females.

 As a result, Schwartz explained, teenagers will make more decisions using the older, more-developed primary part of their brain that is based in emotion.

“It’s the limbic system, the fight or flight part, which acts on instinct, and fear.

“But it’s also the part that gets the biggest buzz when taking risks, like jumping out of a plane with a parachute or driving fast. It’s the excitement and energy part of the brain.”

While police continue to investigate the accident, friends and family are preparing for the funeral on Thursday at Centre Street Church.

Teens also tend to take more risks around their peers, agreed Schwartz and Choate, again because of the emotional and social rewards that come from that.

In a recent study published in Developmental Psychology on risky decision-making and peer influence, Temple University psychologist Laurence Steinberg concluded that teens, unlike adults, make questionable decisions when their peers are present.

“They go from emotionally cool to emotionally hot, when peers are added, and they’re more likely to make riskier decisions,” said Schwartz, pointing to the study.

But boys in particular face yet another challenge to their safety — the fact that society rewards them for risk-taking behaviour.

“The risks that boys take tend to have more physical consequences. Everything they do is more overt, they tend to be more involved in extreme activities, extreme sports,” Schwartz said.

“And they’re rewarded for it. They’re more acknowledged for it, by society and by their peers. 

“Boys are essentially more encouraged to be aggressive in their pursuits.”

 Choate agreed there’s a certain “prowess” provided to risk-taking that ends well, there’s a “look at what they pulled off,” factor.

Finding the balance, Choate adds, can be difficult, because risk is also good for child and teen development.

“Risks allow teens to learn about their limits, their capabilities, their strengths. There’s an important source of confidence that comes with risks.

“The unfortunate thing is that it doesn’t always work out, and when it doesn’t, it can be devastating.”

eferguson@postmedia.com