Teens Safer By Themselves: Study Says Risky Behavior More Likely With Friends

Confirming what you probably already know, a new study finds teens are more likely to engage in risky behavior when their friends are around.

The study by Temple University says the portion of the brain associated with reward showed “greater activation” in teens doing risky things with their friends.

"These results suggest that the presence of peers does not impact the evaluation of the risk but rather heightens sensitivity in the brain to the potential upside of a risky decision," said psychologist Jason Chein, lead author of the study.

The full study is only available with a subscription but you can read more at Science Daily.

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