Using Peer Communicated Norms About Safety to Reduce Injury-Risk Behaviors by Children

Objective This study examined whether exposure to a safety norm could counteract the increase in risk taking children show when in an elevated positive mood state. Methods Risk taking (intentions, behaviors) was measured in a neutral and positive (induced experimentally) mood state. Before completing the tasks in a positive mood, 120 children 7-10 years were exposed to either a safety norm or a control audio. Results The control audio had no effect: children showed an increase in risk taking and intentions when in a positive mood compared with a neutral mood, replicating past research. In contrast, exposure to the safety norm counteracted this effect: children showed a decrease in risk taking and intentions when in a positive mood compared with a neutral mood. Conclusion Manipulating children's exposure to social norms can be an effective strategy for reducing injury-risk behaviors even when they are in an elevated positive mood state.