While examining the risk factors for substance use, delinquency, teenage pregnancy, school dropout, and violence is a critical step toward understanding these problem behaviors, such knowledge does not reveal how to actually reduce a young person's risk in these areas. The key to effective risk reduction actually lies in the exploration and comprehension of protective factors among youth. The resiliency literature indicates that many young people who are exposed to multiple risk factors for problem behaviors manage to steer clear of them, and it seems that the following classes of protective factors are responsible:

• Factors inherent in the individual: These include female gender, high intelligence, a positive social orientation, and a resilient temperament.

• Factors related to social bonding: One of the most effective strategies for preventing problem behaviors among youth is to strengthen their bonds with positive, prosocial family members, adults outside of the family (e.g., teachers, coaches, youth leaders), and friends.

  "Young people with strong, supportive relationships with families, friends, school, and community are invested in or committed to achieving the goals held by these groups. They are bonded to these groups. Young people who are bonded are less likely to do things that threaten that bond -- such as use drugs, become violent, or commit crimes."

  -National Council on Crime and Delinquency & Developmental Research and Programs, Inc.,
  Guide for Implementing the Comprehensive Strategy for Serious, Violent, and Chronic Juvenile Offenders

• Healthy beliefs and clear standards for behavior: Young people who consistently experience healthy attitudes and clear expectations for positive behavior within their families, schools, and communities are less likely to become involved in problem behaviors -- particularly if they have developed strong bonds to the individuals and social groups within these settings.

From:

National Council on Crime and Delinquency & Developmental Research and Programs, Inc. (1995). Guide for implementing the comprehensive strategy for serious, violent, and chronic juvenile offenders. Washington, DC: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.