As we the transition from childhood to youth, some activities appear so captivating. As a result, many among the youth are inclined to have a go at them, and that is where they get into trouble.

So many of those ‘troubles’ share common root causes, the foremost being a neglect of rules (for instance, traffic rules) and going beyond the set boundaries. Here are some of those ‘fascinating activities’ that should be avoided, lest one lands in hot water.

Having a puff!

Either it is the fault of the various ads or of peer pressure, but many adolescents get into the habit of smoking cigarettes and now vaping. For many, it is a means to tell others that they are ‘grown-ups’ and, for the others, it is an escape from frustration. Even those boys who see their friends smoking and have a go at it for just a couple of days are at a loss.

We all know that cigarette smoking is addictive and it is always a better not to try it, instead of thinking that one will be able to leave it after ‘enjoying’ it for a while.

Researchers and the doctors have left no stone unturned in apprising the public about the harms of cigarette smoking. That is definitely not paper work; one can observe many people landing up in hospitals in pitiful conditions as a consequence of smoking. However, this will never end unless the self-held beliefs of many teenagers are eradicated.

There is a need to understand that there is no association of any kind between cigarette-smoking and being a grown-up. If you are 14 years of age, you’ll be able to get a licence in four more years, whether you smoke or not. While cigarette-smoking can blacken your lungs, it won’t help you in growing a moustache or a beard!

Secondly, being frustrated at this tender age is, in itself, a cause for concern. And, once again, there is no proven positive association between smoking and the resolution of stress, anxiety and depression. Each one of us has family and friends to share our worries with, opportunities to participate in sports and the capacity to go to parks to watch the lush-green vegetation. There are many healthy things and ways to help resolve frustration and anxiety for free.

So, there is a need to stay away from the many myths and misconceptions that ultimately lead to tobacco addiction at a very tender age.

‘Scrolling’ and ‘socialising’ for hours

No one can claim that they have viewed all that social media can offer and can now take a break. As soon as one puts the mobile phone down, there is a ping or a buzz. Someone had uploaded a story or shared a Snap. What follows is a never-ending ‘urgency’ to interact with that post. This cycle repeats itself, resulting in a lot of time being wasted. That is why social media has also been labelled as an addiction.

Youth is a time that is really important from an academic perspective. University placements and careers are decided during this time. And social media is a huge distraction in that regard. The time that should be spent studying or even playing outdoor games is wasted scrolling up and down randomly.

Apart from compromising academics, this activity has at least two more unwanted consequences. Firstly, it is a known fact that excessive screen time has adverse consequences on mental health as well as on the eyes. Secondly, most of the time, people on social media tend to portray a false impression of themselves. They may be anxious and depressed, but their posts portray them as cheerful and really happy.

For a person going through a low patch, seeing so many ‘happy’ people can lead to depression and resentment; one is coaxed into believing that the others are blessed and he or she is not.

Hence, while limited use of social networking apps is a good way to build and maintain connections, as well as to keep updated on everyday situations, excessive use is harmful and must be avoided.

Being carefree on the roads

Driving a car or riding a motorcycle is a passion in most youngsters, whether they are of suitable age or not. This is probably the most hazard-prone and, unfortunately, a really common activity among the youth.

Sometimes, there are narrow escapes and, at other times, accidents occur. There are numerous instances of deaths due to accidents and, many a times, those who survive sustain injuries that result in disability for their entire life. And, the fact that all this havoc is the result of neglect of rules and rash driving is a cause for concern.

Many a times, I have observed that youngsters wear a helmet when riding a motorbike only when they spot a traffic police at a distance. And as they get out of their sight, the helmet no longer remains on the head. Some of them also falsely believe that helmets are worn by learners and not experienced riders. They fail to understand that an accident occurs instantaneously and that many of them occur because of the fault of the other person, hence leaving no distinction between a learner and an experienced rider.

Coincidentally, many involved in motorbike accidents end up with head injuries. Also, given the fact that the brain is a vital organ prone to serious injuries resulting in coma and death, the point of not wearing a helmet while travelling on a motorbike cannot be logically explained.

Same is the case with the many riding/driving stunts and rash driving. Public holidays see many celebrations from youngsters in any way they deem correct. They skid the cars, do one wheeling of bikes and what not! Unfortunately, as a consequence of all these activities, it is saddening to see a celebration turn into mourning for many families.

Therefore, there is a need to understand that helmets are not meant to ward off policemen — they are for the rider’s own safety. A boy who wears a helmet is a sensible rider, not an inexperienced one. Secondly, a car or bike is an automotive; it’ll speed up whenever you want it to. It is you who decides whether or not to do so. Basic road discipline can prevent many injuries and casualties, and it is high time each one of us realised it.

Take it easy with weight training

As one enters the teen years, there is a sudden urge of grooming and going to the gym is a craze. There’s nothing wrong with it; however, the real issue arises when one starts over-exerting and even taking the supplements offered at various gyms to build muscle mass by hook or by crook. Over-exertion, for instance by lifting heavy weights, can lead to serious muscle injuries. Secondly, most of the supplements aren’t required at a tender age.

Youngsters should be made aware that exercise is important at any age, but weight lifting or building muscles needs to be done when one is a little older. Healthy eating habits, along with a routine of exercising in moderation, is what will keep one healthy and fit for long.

Seeking ‘adventure’

There have been many reported cases of people getting dangerously close to moving trains to capture a video on their phones, only to be struck by the train. Others try to show off their swimming skills by diving into rivers or dams but, tragically, they’re unable to handle the water. Then there are those who, in an attempt to create the “perfect” TikTok, point a gun at themselves as a dare and accidentally pull the trigger.

Stories like these are sadly not new to us; we hear them all too often. And the truth is, all of them could be easily avoided by simply choosing not to engage in such risky stunts.

In a nutshell, while spirits are at their peak during teenage and early adulthood, many of the activities that are rampant among youngsters do more harm than good. There is a need to avoid such destructive activities in order to prevent unwanted occurrences.

Please save yourself and save your family from unfortunate grief. No thrill is worth a life lost and no viral moment is worth a lifetime of regret.

Think before you act, because one careless second can change everything forever.

Published in Dawn, Young World, July 19th, 2025