The Effects of Parental Educational Level and School Dropout on Risky Adolescent Behaviors

Abstract

Risky behaviors are associated with a number of factors. However, not all young people exposed to the same risk factor tend to externalize risk behaviors. Despite some studies in which the parents' level of education is identified as a protective factor, it is not known how much parental educational level protective against children risky behaviors. The aim of this study is to examine parental education levels and risk behaviors of adolescents who dropped out of the school. Using random sampling method, Adolescent Healt and Development Questionnare was conducted to juvenile delinquents (n=134). As the control group, the same inventory was conducted to high school students (n = 134) who did not conflict with the law and continue their education. Educational status and parental education levels associated with smoking, drinking and drug abuse, were assessed by logistic regression analysis. Maternal educational level was identified as a significant protective factors in order to decrease smoking. On the other hand it is found that parental educational level did not protect adolescent from drinking alcohol or drug abuse. Moreover, adolescent educational status did not classified as a protective factors for smoking, drinking alcohol and drug abuse.