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Why Do Kids Take Risks When They Are in a Group?

Children often make riskier decisions when they are part of  a group than they would if they were alone. Individually the  person may have serious reservations or concerns about what  “the group” is deciding, but it may be difficult for the person  to share their feelings once the decision or plan is proposed.  There will always be teenagers or kids who are willing to take  risks regardless of whether they are part of a group or not.  However, for most children, the “group” decision will be riskier  than what they would have decided on their own.

• People feel stronger in a group

• There is little or no thought of the consequences

• Each individiual places blame on the “Group’s Decision,”  not on their individual part

• Teens, in general, tend to value risk taking highly

• When deciding what is right or what is wrong - it is  not weighed against the person’s individual value  system. Instead, it is viewed through the group’s moral  compass.

Groupthink enters the picture once the risk taker has spoken, making it hard for anyone else to speak up without sounding like a “goody-goody.” THE VOICE OF REASON REMAINS SILENT. Speaking out against a risky decision is extremely  hard to do because you risk being viewed as an outsider or a traitor. In addition, even if one was to bring up some last minute thoughts or concerns, the person is often dismissed or pressured into simply conforming with the group’s decision.

What can be done?

1. Talk to your kids about the dynamics of a group and  how decisions are made.

2. Let them know that they may have concerns or  reservations when decisions are being made in a group  and what to do in those situations. If they do not agree  with what is happening around them, give them options  on what to do, where to go and how to get away.

3. Role play different scenarios with your kids.

4. Use television shows, real-life situations and any  other material as examples in your discussions. It is  often helpful to discuss something proactively rather than  reactively.

(written by Casey Carlucci DeCola using some of the work of Michael  Thompson, PhD)