Born to be wild : why teens and tweens take risks, and how we can help keep them safe

A groundbreaking, research-based guide that sheds new light on why young people make dangerous choices-and offers solutions that work Texting while driving. Binge-drinking. Bullying. Unprotected sex. There are plenty of reasons for parents to worry about getting a late-night call about their teen. But most of the advice parents and educators hear about teens is outdated and unscientific-and simply doesn't work. Acclaimed adolescent psychiatrist and educator Jess Shatkin brings more than two decades' worth of research and clinical experience to the subject, along with cutting-edge findings from brain science, evolutionary psychology, game theory, and other disciplines-plus a widely curious mind and the perspective of a concerned dad himself. Using science and stories, fresh analogies, clinical anecdotes, and research-based observations, Shatkin explains: * Why "scared straight," adult logic, and draconian punishment don't work * Why the teen brain is "born to be wild"-shaped by evolution to explore and take risks * The surprising role of brain development, hormones, peer pressure, screen time, and other key factors * What parents and teachers can do-in everyday interactions, teachable moments, and specially chosen activities and outings-to work with teens' need for risk, rewards and social acceptance, not against it. Read more... Texting While Driving. Binge-drinking. Bullying. Unprotected Sex. There Are Plenty Of Reasons For Parents To Worry About Getting A Late-night Call About Their Teen. But Most Of The Advice Parents And Educators Hear About Teens Is Outdated And Unscientific--and Simply Doesn't Work. Acclaimed Adolescent Psychiatrist And Educator Jess Shatkin Brings More Than Two Decades' Worth Of Research And Clinical Experience To The Subject, Along With Cutting-edge Findings From Brain Science, Evolutionary Psychology, Game Theory, And Other Disciplines -- Plus A Widely Curious Mind And The Perspective Of A Concerned Dad Himself. Using Science And Stories, Fresh Analogies, Clinical Anecdotes, And Research-based Observations, Shatkin Explains: Why 'scared Straight,' Adult Logic, And Draconian Punishment Don't Work; Why The Teen Brain Is 'born To Be Wild'--shaped By Evolution To Explore And Take Risks; The Surprising Role Of Brain Development, Hormones, Peer Pressure, Screen Time, Among Other Key Factors; What Parents And Teachers Can Do--in Everyday Interactions, Teachable Moments, And Specially Chosen Activities And Outings--to Work With Teens' Need For Risk, Rewards, And Social Acceptance, Not Against It.--dust Jacket Flap. Parents Worry About Getting A Late-night Call About Their Teen, But Most Of The Advice Parents And Educators Hear About Teens Is Outdated And Unscientific-- And Simply Doesn't Work. Shatkin Presents Cutting-edge Findings From Brain Science, Evolutionary Psychology, Game Theory, And Other Disciplines To Explains Why Draconian Punishment Don't Work. He Believes The Teen Brain Is Shaped By Evolution To Explore And Take Risks, And Shows How Parents And Teachers Can Work With Teens' Need For Risk, Rewards And Social Acceptance, Not Against It. Not Invincible (or, What Adolescents Really Think About Risk) -- Achtung, Baby! (or, What Doesn't Keep Our Kids Safe) -- From Railways To Neural Pathways (or, What You Need To Know About The Adolescent Brain) -- It Turns Out That Youth Is Not Wasted On The Young (or, Why Adolescence Is Crucial To Evolution) -- Picked Last For Kickball (or, The Real Skinny On Peer Pressure) -- One Lump Or Two? (or, How We Make Decisions) -- Getting To Gist (or, How Mature Decision Makers Confront Risk) -- Not For The Faint Of Heart (or, What Parents Can Do To Reduce Risk Taking) -- The Hidden Curriculum (or, What Schools Can Do To Reduce Risk Taking) -- The Big Picture (or, What Society Can Do To Reduce Risk Taking) -- Final Note. Jess P. Shatkin, Md, Mph. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. A groundbreaking, research-based guide that sheds new light on why young people make dangerous choices--and offers solutions that work Texting while driving. Binge-drinking. Unprotected sex. There are plenty of reasons for parents to worry about getting a late-night call about their teen. But most of the advice parents and educators hear about teens is outdated and unscientific--and simply doesn't work. Acclaimed adolescent psychiatrist and educator Jess Shatkin brings more than two decades' worth of research and clinical experience to the subject, along with cutting-edge findings from brain science, evolutionary psychology, game theory, and other disciplines -- plus a widely curious mind and the perspective of a concerned dad himself. Using science and stories, fresh analogies, clinical anecdotes, and research-based observations, Shatkin explains: * Why "scared straight," adult logic, and draconian punishment don't work * Why the teen brain is "born to be wild"--shaped by evolution to explore and take risks * The surprising role of brain development, hormones, peer pressure, screen time, and other key factors * What parents and teachers can do--in everyday interactions, teachable moments, and specially chosen activities and outings--to work with teens' need for risk, rewards and social acceptance, not against it. “Presents new research, as well as insights as a clinician and a father....This book is a clear argument to stop putting ourselves in our children’s shoes, and to try putting ourselves in their minds, instead.” –The Washington Post “With stories (personal and professional), neuroscience and cognition, psychology and clinical experience Dr. Shatkin offers an abundance of understandable, engaging and actionable information. He explains why and shows how. We can reduce risk in the adolescents we love and teach, but only if we know to how to do so and then do it. Born To Be Wild shows us the way to succeed.” --Psychology Today Winner, National Parenting Product Award 2017 A groundbreaking, research-based guide that sheds new light on why young people make dangerous choices--and offers solutions that work. Texting while driving. Binge-drinking. Bullying. Unprotected sex. There are plenty of reasons for parents to worry about getting a late-night call about their teen. But most of the advice parents and educators hear about teens is outdated and unscientific--and based on the rates of teen pregnancy, accidents, addiction, and more. Acclaimed adolescent psychiatrist Jess P. Shatkin brings more than two decades' worth of research and clinical experience to the subject, along with cutting-edge findings from brain science, evolutionary psychology, game theory, and other disciplines -- plus a widely curious mind and the perspective of a concerned dad. Using science and stories, fresh analogies, clinical anecdotes, and research-based observations, Shatkin explains: Why "scared straight," adult logic, and draconian punishment don't work. Why the teen brain is "born to be wild"--shaped by evolution to explore and take risks. The surprising role of brain development, hormones, peer pressure, screen time, and other key factors. What parents and teachers can do--in everyday interactions, teachable moments, and specially chosen activities and outings--to work with teens' need for risk, rewards and social acceptance, not against it.