Lifeline - Risky Business

Millennials are a risk-averse generation according to Neil Howe and the seven core traits of Millennials, but that doesn’t mean they don’t engage in risky behavior. In fact many drink before they’re of age, have cheated on tests or assignments, and have tried marijuana. But it all comes down to which “risky” actions they actually consider to be dangerous. Their risky behavior isn’t about rebellion, it’s about experience.

Perhaps the greatest risk Millennials take — knowing the danger involved — is texting while driving. Despite the number of public service campaigns targeting young drivers, more than a third use their phones to text or go online while behind the wheel. Although they’re a risk-averse generation, the allure of their phones is too great for Gen Y.

The messages about the dangers of smoking and drugs that Millennials heard while growing up seem to have gotten through. As a result, very few are smokers, and under 18s particularly eschew smoking. Very few use drugs. Marijuana, however, is a slightly different story. Most don’t see it as a serious drug, so they’re far more likely to have tried it than other, harder drugs.

Millennials also don’t think drinking, including underage drinking, is a big deal. Their parents and the media treat it casually — it is depicted in their favorite TV shows and movies. In some cases, their parents (“peerents”) are the ones who introduce them to drinking, allowing them to drink under their supervision. Even if the law says they should be 21, most Millennials have sampled a wide variety of alcoholic drinks. On average, they start drinking, unsupervised, at age 17.