When it comes to summer safety, the good news is, teenagers are acting safer than their own parents did a generation ago. The bad news is, well, they’re still teens and sometimes make bad decisions. 

“Teens and young adults are very healthy people. They rarely die of medical causes,” said Army Lt. Col. Jean Burr, chief of Adolescent Medicine at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. “Summer presents a special problem because they’re out of school and want to relax. They’re engaging in more unsupervised activities, because parents are still at work. And the teens are at a time in their lives when they think they are invincible.” 

The latest information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows the vast majority of deaths of young adults (ages 10-24) occur in accidents, with most of those accidental deaths in motor vehicles. Burr said teenagers, with that “invincible” mindset, are more likely than older adults to speed or make rash judgments, compounded by their inexperience behind the wheel. However, she believes they are actually smarter than adults about not using their cell phones and driving. “I see adults my age texting and driving often.” 

Burr said teenagers of military parents may not take part in as many risky summer behaviors, such as underage drinking, because they’re brought up in an environment that presents clearly defined standards for adults. In addition, parents are given more safety reminders, which in turn, trickle down to their children. 

Summer safety also includes guarding against sun overexposure. Good news there is that today’s teenagers are taking better care of their skin in the sun. 

“When I was a teenager about 20 years ago, everyone wanted that deep, dark tan,” said Burr. “Children these days don’t consider a tan that healthy. But, since they are prone to forget to protect themselves with sun block, it’s still an issue.” 

Summer schedule changes and freedom can affect the mental as well as physical wellness of military teenagers. Burr encouraged adults to seek help if they are concerned about their child’s mental health. “If your child or another teen says something to make you think they are depressed, or possibly suicidal, take it very seriously, and get them help. The emergency room or an acute visit with their primary care provider can be lifesaving.” 

Burr said parents need to monitor their teenagers’ behaviors, but also respect the growing autonomy of their child. Caution should be used when considering “forbidding” a teen from taking part in some activity, as this tactic will sometimes backfire. 

“Respect the awesome things you’ve taught your children, and be involved,” she said. “But forbidding a teen from doing something might be a really good way to get them to try it. Instead, consider being open and honest about the decisions you made as a teen, good and bad. Those conversations can make a real difference.”