An organization seeking the service of adolescent participants should take into account the characteristics of this age group. When working with adolescents, it is important to capitalize upon their individual interests. For example, those with academic interests can be assigned to tutoring duties. Place those who strain at academic requirements in positions requiring more physical participation, such as conservation projects or coaching a youth basketball team. Improper placement can lead to boredom and distraction, two elements that can cause carelessness, lack of commitment,and ultimately a potential injury.
Teens tend to underestimate risks and overestimate their own abilities.
Some may try feats beyond their physical abilities without full appreciation of the danger. Adults working with this age group should nurture independence and at the same time set boundaries for acceptable behavior. The Statistics Adolescents need to experiment, to try adult behaviors and to challenge authority. The following statistics, obtained in a 1993 study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reveal some of the areas in which adolescents tend to experiment. Almost one in four high school students report having carried a weapon to school in the past month.