1.
INTRODUCTION
1.1. Define the term ‘youth risky behaviour’ and give TWO examples of
youth risk behaviour.
Youth risky behaviour refers to actions or conduct by young people
(typically adolescents and young adults) that potentially put them at
risk of harming their physical, emotional, social, or mental well-
being.
Examples of youth risk behaviour
Substance abuse
Reckless driving or speeding
1.2. Reasons why good understanding of risky behaviour can help the
youth make more responsible decisions.
Informed decision-making: A good understanding of risky
behaviour enables young people to recognize potential
consequences of their actions.
Empowerment to make safer choices: Understanding risky
behaviours empowers youth to identify situations where they
might be pressured or tempted to engage in harmful actions.
1.3. Ways in which risky behaviour could lead to gender-based violence.
Substance abuse: Risky behaviours like alcohol or drug abuse
can impair judgement, lead to aggressive behaviour, and
contribute to actions that might escalate into gender-based
violence (GBV) in the work place.
Poor communication and boundary issues: Risky behaviours
involving disregard for professional communication can lead to
gender-based violence or harassment.
1.4. Reasons why teenagers would want to engage in risky behaviour.
Peer influence and acceptance: Teenagers often seek
acceptance and validation from their peers, engaging in risky
behaviours might be a way to fit in with a particular group in
order gain peer approval.
Sensation-seeking and thrill: Adolescents are often in a phase
of development where they might seek excitement, novelty, and
intense experiences, risky behaviours can provide a sense of
thrill or adrenaline rush (like speeding, extreme sports without
proper safety, or other daring acts), appealing to some teens.
2. THE CONTENT OF THE PROBLEM.
A. RISKY BEHAVIOUR INFLUENCING HEALTHY AND BALANCED
LIFESTYE CHOICES.
2.1. Meaning of the concept ‘living a healthy and balanced lifestyle’.
Living a healthy and balanced lifestyle refers to adopting habits,
behaviours, and choices that promote overall well-being,
encompassing physical, mental, emotional, and social health,
finding a harmonious blend of various aspects of life to enhance
quality of life and support long-term health.
2.2. Types of risky behaviour could negatively impact a healthy and
balanced lifestyle of the youth.
Substance abuse (alcohol and drugs): Substance abuse can
disrupt physical health, mental clarity, and social relationships
among youth.
Unhealthy eating habits and sedentary behaviour: Poor dietary
choices like excessive junk food or sugery drinks combined with
lack of physical activity can lead to obesity, diabetes,
cardiovascular risks, and lowered self-esteem among young
people.
Risky sexual behaviour: Engaging in unprotected sex, multiple
sexual partners without safety measures, or pressured sexual
activities can expose youth to sexual transmitted infections
(STIs), unintended pregnancies, and emotional distress, such
behaviours can impact relationships, mental health, and future
plans.
2.3. Individuality in relationships could assist you to successfully fight off
peer pressure for risky behaviour.
Embracing your individuality can empower you to make choices
that align with your values and goals, helping to navigate peer
pressure for risky behaviours.
2.4. The youth continue to engage in risky behaviour, while fully aware of its
negative effects to their well-being.
Youth engagement in risky behaviour is a complex issue
influenced by a mix of psychological, social economic, and
cultural factors, despite being aware of the negative
consequences, young people often continue to engage in
behaviours that put their well-being at risk.
B. RISKY BEHAVIOUR INFLUENCING COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES
IN THE WORKPLACE.
3.1. Meaning of the term ‘positive role models’ and ways in which positive
role models could influence the youth to shun youth risk behaviours.
Positive role model are individuals who exhibit admirable
qualities, behaviours, and values that inspire and influence
others by demonstrating characteristics like integrity, resilience,
compassion, and responsibility serving as a examples of
positive behaviour.
Ways in which positive role models influence youth to shun risk
behaviour.
Inspiring health choices
Providing guidance and mentorship
3.2. Ways in which long professional work hours could negatively affects the
youths’ eating habits leading to a risky life.
Increased reliance on fast food: Long work hours can
lead to time constraints, causing young professionals to
opt for quick, convenient fast food.
Irregular meal patterns: Demanding work schedules can
also disrupt regular eating pattern, leading to skipped
meals.
Reduced meal preparation and healthy cooking: With
limited time due to long work hours, youth might forget to
prepare healthy home-cooked meals.
Increased stress and emotional eating: Long work hours
can elevate stress levels, potentially leading to emotional
eating where individuals consume comfort foods high in
sugar and fats as coping mechanism.
Limited time for physical activity: Extended work hours
might reduce time available for physical activities and
exercise.
3.3. Opinions on ways in which a criminal record due to
risky behaviour can affect your job/university application.
A criminal record resulting from risky behaviour can have
significant implications for young individuals seeking
employment or pursuing higher education.
D. NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
INTRODUCATORY PARAGRAPH.
4.1. They are fully aware and prepared to fight back against the risky
behaviours which impact the lives of the young youth among the
community, their intentions and priorities is to stand together as a team to
support all the affected youth.
4.2.
4.3. Negative consequences of unhealthy sexual behaviour.
Sexually transmitted infections(STIs): Unhealthy sexual
behaviours like unprotected sex, multiple partners without
protection or risky sexual practices increases the risk of
contracting STIs, like HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhoea.
Unintended pregnancies: Engaging in sexual activity
without adequate contraception or planning can lead to
unplanned pregnancies.
4.4. The influence of peer pressure could have on the
youth’s ability to make responsible decision about their
personal safety.
Peer pressure is a significant factor in the lives of young
people, shaping their behaviours, choices, and decisions
including those related to personal safety.
4.5. Ways in which social media could be used to create
awareness on how to avoid youth risky behaviour.
Educational campaigns and content: Social media
platforms can host targeted campaigns with informative
content (videos, infographics and posts).
Interactive engagement and storytelling: Social media
can facilitate interactive engagement through challenges,
quizzes live sessions with experts.
5. CONCLUDING
5.1. Ways in which community members could put
pressure on the government to address the challenges of
youth risk behaviour.
Petitions and advocacy campaigns: Community members
can organise petitions, rallies, or advocacy campaigns to
highlight concerns about youth risks behaviours.
Engaging with local representatives: Community
members can meet with local government
representatives, councillors or officials to express
concerns and demand policies or programs addressing
youth risk behaviours.
5.2. Way in which the youth could seek support from their
parents if they themselves in a risky situation because of
irresponsible choices.
Youth can seek support from by being open and have
honest communication, and admitting the situation.