Linking Malta's adolescents' risky behaviour to social and cultural influences

Abstract

This research project was carried out with hopes to determine the levels, frequency, nature and prevalence of risky behaviour of adolescents on the Maltese Islands. This behaviour was then analyzed and linked to possible social and cultural factors such as; religion, socio-economic status, family type, childhood experience, and education and schooling. The study was carried out on 236 participants ranging in age from 15-25, all currently living in Malta. Data was collected by means of an anonymous, online questionnaire and ensured strict confidentiality amongst all participants. Building upon information found in numerous literature and relevant sources, the levels of treacherous activity currently occurring in Malta were compared with empirical findings. in other countries. The major hypothesis, does locality, religion, family background, education level and/or socio-economic status matter in the attitudes, behaviours and predispositions of today's adolescents, suggested an affirmative answer. Religion, family values, parental control and upbringing all suggest significance in adolescent behaviour. The experimental behaviours focused upon in this study include; smoking, drinking alcohol, dabbling with illicit drugs and promiscuous, unprotected sexual activity. The fact that all these behaviours were seen in abundance suggests that there are high levels of availability of illegal substances on the Maltese Islands, and that significant amounts of teenagers are participating in under-age binge drinking and sexual activity.