SMARTRISK’s views on teens and risk in the news
July 22, 2010
“Finding the line for kids between daredevil stunts and merely testing the waters is a challenge for parents this summer,” notes an article published by numerous Sun Media outlets across Canada since July 19. Featuring an interview with SMARTRISK director of research and evaluation, Dr. Philip Groff, the story has been picked up by well over a dozen newspapers.
The article opens by discussing a 19-year-old Calgary man who has videotaped and posted to YouTube his performances of some highly risky stunts, including surfing on the roof of a speeding car and jumping off a bridge onto a moving train. “We’ve all heard of stupid pet tricks, but the Internet has become home to stupid teen tricks”, journalist Marilyn Linton writes.
The reporter explores with Dr. Groff the idea that teens have to learn to manage risks in smart ways and notes that SMARTRISK has high school programs that help teens make good choices. Dr. Groff also notes that parents are important role models and he explains SMARTRISK’s five key messages. The article also includes ThinkFirst Canada’s guide to smart skateboarding.
You can read the article in a number of locations, including in the Toronto Sun, various versions of 24 Hours or the London Free Press.
