Why do some teens do drugs/alcohol when they know it will hurt them? Do they really believe it when they say things like, "If you get the right kind of Ecstasy, it's safe," or "Just smoking marijuana doesn't hurt you"?
Why do girls go to tanning salons when they know the risk of cancer or frying their ovaries could be worse than using natural sunlight?
Is it peer pressure? Do you really listen to adults and take them seriously when they tell you not to do things?
2006-06-16 08:37:28 · 9 answers · asked by cucumberlarry1 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
mostly because parents say NOT TO DO THEM.. and like with drugs - adults make it out like you do drugs once and it will be terrible (like acid for example) so the kid does the drug and hmmm... it aint so bad, they have a good trip and keep doing it, thinking the adults lied.. then eventually they have a bad trip... but by then its too late....
kids are risk takers they think "it wont happen to them"
AIDS is really prevalent in the TEEN age group and yet most of them have unprotected sex... thinking it wont ever happen to them... drinking driving - kills more teens than other age groups (not counting innocent victims)
2006-06-16 08:43:23 · answer #1 · answered by CF_ 7 · 6⤊ 2⤋
It's not just peer pressure, although having a group of friends who accept you is very important to teens. What you are forgetting is that these things that are "bad for you" also feel really good when you do them (I can't speak for the tanning). Getting high, getting drunk, and even eating a cheeseburger may not be good for you but there will always be people who do/eat them because of the good feeling they get.
People do things that are bad for them because they enjoy those things. Whether it's physical, mental, or just because they get to be in a group that accepts them, teens do things that are harmful because it makes them feel better. And the vast majority don't die, become addicts, get cancer (I've never heard of frying ovaries in a tanning booth and doubt that it's possible), or even have long term problems. The risks are very real, but so is the overreaction.
2006-06-16 08:56:32 · answer #2 · answered by smoltsy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As teens they're trying to find themselves as well as fit in. That road will sometimes take them to places they never wanted to go. We as parents, friends, or just supporters we have to be there to try to steer them clear of it or be there when they get out of it, go through it. We have all made some mistakes in life and they think that it's their chance to make theirs.
2006-06-16 08:43:59 · answer #3 · answered by Adrienna B 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Having been one of those once, my answers would have been:
1. Because I want to!
2. Because it's fun!
3. Because I want to!
What can I say. I turned out ok in spite of everything. I don't have kids myself, so I tend to still be on their side.
2006-06-16 08:42:12 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
People learn from their mistakes in the end. Let them figure it out is what I think. I don't think i'd be the person I was today if I was a goodie too shoes growing up!
2006-06-16 08:42:07 · answer #5 · answered by Miss.Canada 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They do stuff to hurt themselves to hurt the people around them...my sister smokes, and she says its so shes not stressed, but our parents know and she does it anyway...to make them mad. They chose to do what they want for their own reasons, but its because they want those who care for them to hurt like its their fault they are miserable.
2006-06-16 08:44:01 · answer #6 · answered by wnting2no 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cause some ppl can't learn unless they go through the hurt themselves.
2006-06-16 08:40:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just for both the fun of it and the experience of it. Basically we all try something - it's a "right of passage".
2006-06-16 08:40:59 · answer #8 · answered by Goblin g 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You forget - most teens think they're immortal.
2006-06-16 14:35:54 · answer #9 · answered by Strange Design 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋