Final answer:
Adolescents working more than 20 hours per week are more likely to engage in risky behaviors due to increased autonomy and influences from their social environment, despite their ability to assess risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Adolescents who work more than 20 hours weekly are more likely than their peers to engage in risky behaviors. While working long hours can contribute to the development of some skills such as time management, it has also been associated with a range of unhealthy activities. These can include smoking, drinking alcohol, and early involvement in sexual activity. These behaviors can stem from a combination of increased autonomy, financial resources, and less supervision. Additionally, adolescents who work extensive hours might have less time for homework and other school-related activities, which could impact their academic achievement.
The propensity for adolescents to take risks, despite having the ability to evaluate risks and rewards, is influenced by numerous factors including brain development, genetics, and social environment. As teens develop, they experience surges in hormonal levels, begin to assert their independence, and are heavily influenced by their peers, all of which can contribute to risk-taking behavior.