What’s Really Behind At-Risk Behaviors - The Professional Youth Worker

What’s Really Behind At-Risk Behaviors

Your Tool Description

Your Competency Focus Area

At-Risk Behaviors

When young people engage in risky behaviors like skipping school, using substances, or acting out, they may think something is wrong with them. But these behaviors are not about being bad. They are usually responses to emotions or needs that feel too big or confusing to express. At-risk behaviors can help avoid pain, release stress, or create a sense of belonging. Everyone does this at times. Adults, teens, and children all find ways to cope with unmet needs. While some young people act out because of behavioral conditions such as conduct disorder, but that is the exception rather than the rule.
This tool helps young people see that behavior has meaning. When young people can find ways to express their emotions through talking, art, music, movement, or other healthy outlets, they begin to make sense of what they are feeling.
Why it's important: As awareness grows, at-risk behaviors often decrease. Most importantly, young people begin to feel proud of how they handle tough moments, build confidence and self-respect, and ask for support sooner when they need it.

Awareness Tools

Promote self-discovery through reflection

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Your Skill-Building Objectives

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Behavior Management

Encouraging behaviors that are better choices

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Emotional Regulation

Helping young people to manage emotions

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Youth Empowerment

Providing developmentally appropriate support

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What’s Really Behind At-Risk Behaviors

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Your Agency's Personalized Learning Management System (LMS) Explore the learning platform step by step with our guided tour! Watch Video
130+ Learning Opportunities
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The Art & Science of Youth Work Certificate Course
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24 New Certificate Supplemental Micro Courses (SMCs) Yearly
12 New Youth Worker Toolkit Tools Yearly

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