Grounded in trauma-informed practice and the science of behaviour, this session will help you understand why teens take risks - especially when friendships and belonging are involved. We’ll explore how peer influence works (including online), what your teen’s behaviour may be communicating underneath the attitude or shutdown, and how to respond in ways that reduce escalation and increase honesty.

We’ll look at patterns that often show up when risk is rising: secrecy, defensive responses, boundary testing, emotional volatility, and sudden shifts in identity, friendships, or routines. We’ll also unpack how some well-intended adult responses - intense monitoring, repeated interrogations, harsh consequences, or “cut them off” demands - can unintentionally escalate the risk.

This Deep Dive is hosted by Rachel Evans and Barney Huxtable, who bring together extensive experience in trauma-informed family support. Rachel has a wealth of knowledge in supporting children with complex needs and the parents and carers supporting them at home. Her work focusses on helping parents and carers understand behaviour from a trauma-informed behaviour analytic lens so they can respond effectively – even when behaviours become risky. Barney brings specialist expertise from his work in residential care. He has extensive experience working alongside adolescents navigating high-risk situations, including unsafe peer relationships, substance use, exploitation risks, and boundary-testing. Barney’s approach centres on understanding why risk-taking makes sense for young people with complex histories, and how adults can support by increasing safety, and strengthen protective factors without escalating the situation or damaging relationships.