As adults, we like to think we have a good idea of what the world may
have in store for our teenagers, but the fact of the matter is there's
a vast divide between what we perceive as dangerous and what our teens
are actually up against.
Teenagers (ages 13 - 19) face unique challenges when it comes to
situational awareness.
These challenges are only exacerbated by the constant physical and
biological changes teens are subjected to. As young people learn to deal
with these changes, they begin to explore the limits of their
individuality.
Unfortunately, this process often involves rebellious behavior and
unnecessary risk-taking. The key to keeping teens safe during this time
is to keep them alert and engaged with their environment.
Teenagers have to understand that real personal safety isn't about being
scared of what lies around the next corner. It requires confidence that
if something bad were about to happen, that they have these skills:
-
Ability to identify the problem early
-
Competence to develop a plan of action
-
Power to control their fear
-
Aptitude to implement that plan
Spotting Danger Before It Spots Your Teens is designed around the
principles of positive communication, trust, and teamwork. It's written
specifically to set parents' minds at ease and allow teens to
confidently explore their independence, secure in the fact that they can
spot dangerous situations before they happen and take the necessary
steps to ensure their own well-being.
