Risky behaviour can be described as; “behaviour that is either physically or emotionally dangerous, or contributes to development problems for young people involved.” [
4]. According to Trimpop [
8], risky behaviour or risk-taking behaviour is defined as “any consciously, or non-consciously controlled behaviour with a perceived uncertainty about its outcome, and about its possible benefits, or costs for the physical, economic or psycho-social well-being of oneself or others.” [
9].
Health-risk behaviour is a leading contributor to morbidity and mortality among children, which are established during childhood and extend into adulthood [
10]. Participation in risk-taking behaviour such as substance use decreased physical activity, and risky sexual behaviour practices usually make their debut during adolescents and thus have primarily been studied during that phase of development [
11]. However, when these risk behaviour activities are present in children and young people, it could endanger their normal development [
4]. The use of alcohol among young children and young people could lead to alcohol-related injuries, academic, behavioural, and relationship problems, as well as the development of lifestyle diseases [
4]. Thus, engagement in these types of activities could compromise well-being, health, and life-course development, which could further contribute to the global burden of disease [
10]. Health–risk behaviour includes: (a) activities that contribute to unintentional injury and intentional injury and violence; (b) tobacco use; (c) alcohol and other drug use; (d) sexual behaviour that contributes to unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); (e) dietary practices and (f) physical inactivity according to the Centre of Disease Control [
12].