Parents: Do you know what your teenagers are getting up to?

(NC) The teenage years are a mix of hormones, self-discovery and transitioning from childhood to adulthood. If you have teens – or soon-to-be teens – you may be feeling a sense of growing separation as they become more comfortable on their own.

The growing technology gap doesn’t help that feeling, either. As any parent knows, if you need to figure out how to set up a new electronic device or debug an old one, ask a teenager. They’ve grown up surrounded by technology and are usually among the first to adopt new devices or tools.

They’re also experts at using social media. Unfortunately, some social media content creators – or “influencers” – do questionable things to gain those all-important “likes” and “shares.” And their followers often mimic their risky behaviour. For example, there’s a social media challenge where people are dared to record and share videos of something dangerous happening near a moving train or on railroad tracks.

As past generations have learned, it doesn’t take social media to inspire teens to take risks. Railway tracks have been seen as quick shortcuts for young people for years. There have also been reports of people climbing onto moving trains.

There are countless dangers around tracks and trains that can lead to injuries or even death. It endangers the risk-takers as well as passengers and crews on trains. Flying debris could injure bystanders or damage property, and sparks from sudden braking can start fires.

Any of these incidents can create delays which in turn can disrupt crucial supply chains. So, if anyone sees someone on or near train tracks or railway equipment, they should contact the authorities.

Parents who are concerned that their safety advice may fall on deaf ears might find that appealing to their teenagers’ interests is more effective.

For example, if your child has shown an interest in protecting the environment, point out how passenger trains are a great way to reduce emissions, instead of people using individual cars.

Another option could be to explain how their part-time job relies on the supply chain, which might hit home for them.

Learn more about the security of Canada’s railways at tc.canada.ca/en/rail-transportation.