Today, the number-one killer of adolescents is not disease or
illness; it is accidental injury, often caused by risky behavior. Kids’
lives depend on the choices they make - choices to drink and drive, to
take drugs, to have unprotected sex - or to say no.
Of course, not all risks are harmful, and in fact, taking some risks
- trying out for a sports team or the school play, asking someone out,
learning a new skill - is a valuable part of growing up. What can you
do to help children make smart choices? How can you prevent them from
hurting themselves or others?