Risks Young Chimps Take as They Swing Through the Trees Underscore Role of Protective Parenting in Humans

Jan. 7, 2026
Watch time: 5-15 mins
Chimp

Why do teens take risks, and is puberty really to blame? Drawing on observations of wild chimpanzees, this piece suggests that risk-taking peaks much earlier in life and that reduced supervision, not a new appetite for danger, may explain why human adolescence looks so risky. The findings raise fresh questions about parenting, play, and how much oversight young people really need.

Share:
We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By using this site, you accept our use of cookies.