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HPE092 Harm Minimisation Report___________________

Joshua Yang HPE092C


Introduction: Throughout adolescence, teenagers are constantly exposed to various risks, which can result in the degradation of both their physical and mental health. This report will uncover and analyse these behaviours in depth.

1. Statement of Findings
1.1 Risk taking behaviours
1.1.1 Underage Drinking Underage Drinking is the act of drinking alcoholic beverages when below the legal age and is a major problem with teenagers that can cause serious harm. While intoxicated, the brain loses some control over the body, and this can be linked to short term harmful behaviour such as suicidal behaviour, aggression, assault, road trauma and depression. In addition to this, frequent exposure to alcohol can lead to many learning difficulties and social problems. Statistics show that one in five teenagers report drinking weekly, and one teenager dies every week(http://www.mbf.com.au/Wellness/Articles/risks_of_underage_drinki
ng.html) From this, we can gather that there is a chance that adolescents can be involved in this risk. Not only this, but it can result in death.

1.1.2 Substance Abuse Also known as drug abuse, substance abuse refers to the dependency on an addictive substance. Many adolescents turn to drugs as a source of relaxation, escape from psychological pain, out of curiosity and peer pressure. When abused, drugs can have serious effects on the physical, social and psychological aspects of a teenagers life. Not only this, but many drugs are banned, and as a result, substance abuse can result in juvenile detention, and when over 18, jail. The National Drug Strategy Household Survey of Australians found that one in five teenagers had tried using drugs, such as cannabis
(http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/drugs_te enagers?open) Thus, we can see that exposure to drugs is a destructive risk taking behaviour that teenagers may be exposed to.

1.1.3 Unprotected/Underage Sex This refers to the act of sexual intercourse without the use of protection, such as a condom, before the legal age of consent. Without the use of a condom, this can lead to teenage pregnancy, and from that, social problems and depression. Underage sex is also illegal,
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and can result in juvenile detention. However, many teenagers are already involved in sexual intercourse. About one in four year 10 students, and half of year 12 students have previously engaged in sex, and only 14% of these teenagers use some form of protection when they engage in this sexual activity. (http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Teenager s_sexual_behaviour) Without the use of protection, teenagers can contract various different STDs such as AIDS and Herpes. It is easy to see why this is such a destructive and common risk taking behaviour.

1.2 Skills Required for taking calculated risks


1.1.1 Research The above three risks that teenagers can be exposed are illegal. If something is illegal, it is most likely because it is destructive. Do some research to see if that activity is illegal, and if it is, it is probably an unwise decision to go ahead with it. If it is not, do some more research to see if there are ways that you could get hurt if you participate in them. 1.1.2 Common Sense If the risk you are taking could result in serious harm, it might be wise to say no. By using your common sense, you can make a logical descision that could even save your life. 1.1.3 Learn from others mistakes If youve heard of other people that have been involved in this risk taking, and they have been hurt, then perhaps you will, if you take the risk. 1.1.4 Evaluate the pros and cons An evaluation of the pros and cons of the behaviour should tell you enough. If the pros outweigh the cons, then it may be worthwhile taking the risk, however, if the cons outweigh the pros, it may be a bad decision.

2. Analysis
2.1 Skills I possess for taking calculated risks
2.1.1 Underage Drinking Teenagers are very influenced by their peers, and are easily sucked in to risk taking behaviours such as this one. However, it can be avoided by simple common sense. It is illegal, and that is enough reason not to do it. Even then, some research can be done, which should tell you enough that it is not a wise decision.

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2.1.2 Substance Abuse There are different skills needed for this, depending on why the teen is taking drugs. For psychological reasons, research can be done to find other alternatives to drugs, such as counselling. As for peer pressure and curiosity, common sense and weighing up the pros and cons are options to make a healthy decision which should be no. 2.1.3 Unprotected/Underage Sex Many teenagers engage in this, mainly because of hormones. However, research needs to be done to learn about the dangers of contracting an STD. As well as this, learning from others who have done and regretted it is needed to understand the consequences of this activity.

3. Evaluation
Although all three behaviours have the potential to destroy and ultimately end someones life, it is to my belief that alcohol abuse will have the most significant effect on ones health. One teenager a week dies, from alcohol abuse, and many more are injured. Teenagers who drink are also more likely to drink as adults and this can lead to long term health effects and alcohol related diseases such as liver disease and even cancer. Alcohol can also lead to unprotected sex, which opens up the possibility of contracting an STD. The short term effects can also kill just as easily as the long term ones. One half of all drowning deaths among teen guys are related to alcohol use. Use of alcohol greatly increases the chance that a teen will be involved in a car crash, homicide, or suicide (http://kidshealth.org/teen/drug_alcohol/alcohol/alcohol.html#) . Rehab
and counselling are the best solutions for dealing with alcohol. However, even then, it may be too late to reverse the effects of drinking at such a young age.

4. Action Plan
These harm from these three risks that I may be exposed to in the next twelve months can be minimised, from a general awareness of them, and through the use of common sense. The best way to improve these skills in my opinion, is to do research, to improve my general knowledge about these risk taking activities. By taking account into the pros and cons Ive learnt from this research, I can make an educated decision as to whether or not the risk is worthwhile or not. If it is worthwhile, Ill go ahead with it. However, it is not, I wont, and I will be able to avoid situations I dont want to be in. Thus, this will hopefully help me to minimise the maximum amount of risk-induced harm I expose myself to as a teenager.

Conclusion:
There are many risk-taking activities that teenagers will be exposed to. However, with the right knowledge, and awareness of the pros and cons of these activities, many of these risks can be avoided. By evaluating the situation at hand before jumping into it, teenagers can avoid a great deal of harm that could ultimately destroy their lives.
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Reference list:
1. Wikipedia. (2011) Long term effects of alcohol. Retrieved August 28, 2011 From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long-term_effects_of_alcohol 2. Better Health Channel. (2011) Drugs-teenagers. Retrieved August 28, 2011 From http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Drugs_teenagers?open 3. Better Health Channel. (2011) Teenagers-Sexual Behaviour. Retrieved August 28,2011 From http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Teenagers_sexual_behavi our 4. Parentlink (2011) Young People and Drugs. Retrieved August 28, 2011 From http://www.parentlink.act.gov.au/parenting_guides/teens/teenagers_and_drugs 5. Wikipedia (2011) Alcohol Abuse. Retrieved August 28, 2011 From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcohol_abuse 6. Wikipedia (2011) Substance Abuse. Retrieved August 28, 2011 From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Substance_abuse

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