Abstract Adolescence is a period of substantial developmental changes in an individual's physical, cognitive, emotional, and social behavior. Peer pressure, family problems, lack of education, use of mass media, delinquencies, and changes in neurobiology all affect an adolescent's development and may predispose to consequences such as drug addiction, unprotected sexual activities, unplanned pregnancies STDs, HIV, and other mental health issues. This paper is mainly focused on highlighting the emerging risky sexual behavior and substance use among adolescents. The review also reveals the role of educational institutes, government programs & policies, community, and health care workers as they play a crucial role in reducing the risk of these problems by providing adequate knowledge and services to the adolescents from the beginning itself.