Ever since the angst-ridden psychology of the teenager was deemed distinct from that of adults -- sometime after World War II -- parents and scientists have puzzled over what makes these maniacs tick.
Based on an article in today's Times by Jane Brody, under the headline Teenage Risks, and How to Avoid Them, we are no closer to solving this mystery.
It is an all too familiar tale, prompting parents and school officials alike to wonder why risky behavior is so common among teenagers and what might be done to curtail it. Is it that teenagers think that they are immortal or invulnerable, immune to the hazards adults see so clearly? Or do they not appreciate the risks involved and need repeated reminders of the dangers inherent in activities like driving too fast, driving drunk, having unprotected sex, experimenting with drugs, binge drinking, jumping into unknown waters, you name it?
It was clear as early as the 1940s that the teenage brain's version of rational behavior was entirely unlike that of their parents and teachers. Perhaps they should all be quarantined.
October 3, 1949
‘TEEN-AGE’ DRIVERS STUDIED AS A PERILBy BERT PIERCE
JACKSON’S MILL, W. Va, Oct 2—Reckless and careless complexes of youthful drivers were emphasized today as the chief factor for the increasing highway accident rate attributed to the teen-age bracket.
The ego and thoughtlessness of youngsters came under close scrutiny and their mental trends and twists were weighed at the opening session of the National Conference on High School Driver Education here.
An innovation in death dealing “pranks” was presented with a description of the “bumper-bump-bumper” tag game on the road. Participants gamble with their lives by chasing another vehicle and crashing into it.
Already this so-called pastime has caused many fatalities and injuries to teen-age drivers and others on the highways of the Mid-West.
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