Teen perceptions of parental monitoring and its impact on their risky road behavior: An analysis of the National Youth Risk Behavior Survey

Introduction: Risky road behaviors (RRBs), including driving-related (e.g., texting while driving, driving under the influence) and passenger-related (e.g., not wearing seat belts, riding with a drunk driver) behaviors, contribute significantly to injury and death among adolescents. This study aims to analyze how perceived parental monitoring by teens impacts their passenger- and driver- related risky road behaviors. Methods: Data from the 2021 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (NYRBS) were analyzed to examine the association between teens’ perception of parental monitoring and engagement in driving-related and passenger-related risky road behaviors. Logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AOR). Results: A strong perception of parental monitoring consistently demonstrated a protective effect against driving-related risky behaviors (AOR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.53–0.74) and passenger-related risky behaviors (AOR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.53–0.72) when compared to those with lower perceptions. Teens sleeping in public places had notably higher odds of driving-related risky behaviors (AOR = 2.99, 95% CI: 2.01–4.46) compared to those sleeping at home. Males were less likely to engage in passenger-related risky behaviors (AOR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.86–0.97) but more likely to engage in driving-related risky behaviors (AOR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.12–1.47). Conclusions: Perceived parental monitoring was associated with reduced engagement in both passenger- and driving-related risky road behaviors among teen drivers and passengers. Safety interventions aimed at reducing risky road behaviors among teens should include strategies for strengthening parental involvement, emphasizing supervision and communication. Practical Applications: Our findings suggest that parental monitoring could play a significant role in reducing teens’ engagement in risky road behaviors. Safety programs should empower parents in the use of effective parental monitoring strategies, such as active supervision and better communication.