Explain how showing poor decision-making skills in the media could lead to teenagers driving recklessly or making unsafe choices on the road

For the Life Orientation Grade 11 Term 3 2025 task, the topic of Factors that Impact Negatively on Lifestyle Choices under Risky Behaviour and Situations explains that media can influence how young people think and behave. As it has been explained in this topic, when poor decision-making is shown in the media without highlighting the real consequences, it can encourage teenagers to copy dangerous behaviour, especially on the road.

Explain how showing poor decision-making skills in the media could lead to teenagers driving recklessly or making unsafe choices on the road

Direct answer to the question:

Explain how showing poor decision-making skills in the media could lead to teenagers driving recklessly or making unsafe choices on the road.

If the media shows reckless driving or unsafe road use as exciting, harmless, or “cool,” teenagers may think it is acceptable and try to copy it, which increases their risk of accidents and injury.

Elaboration:
As explained under Risky Behaviour and Situations, media can unintentionally promote unsafe road behaviour when:

• Movies, music videos, or social media posts show speeding, ignoring traffic rules, or street racing without showing the dangers.
• Reckless behaviour is portrayed as fun, adventurous, or a way to impress others.
• Influencers or celebrities post videos of unsafe driving, making it seem normal.

When teenagers see this content repeatedly, it can weaken their decision-making skills. They may underestimate the risks, ignore safety rules, and choose to drive under dangerous conditions, putting themselves and others at risk.