We ask ourselves why teens can't grasp the dangers of drugs, underage drinking, texting while driving? Why do they think they're the exception to the risk? Why do they tempt fate?
Dr. David Urion, director of the Learning Disabilities/Behavioral Neurology program at Children's Hospital in Boston, sheds a new light into the teenage mind.
By the time a child turns six, it was believed that his/her brain had grown to adult size. In terms of relative size and overall mass, this is true. Studies show, however, that the teenage brain is still developing important neural connections. These connections once fully developed help individuals reason, make judgments, and control impulses.
With the research completed by Dr. Urion using functional MRI, mapping the changes in the developing adolescent brain, scientists are learning that the courage of the teenager isn't just innocence or rebellion—it's developmental.
Thinking about tomorrow, let alone four years into the future when it comes time to apply for colleges, is too far in advance for the average teen to contemplate. They're not thinking about what might be a repercussion from their actions; they're thinking about the moment and acting spontaneously. Considering consequences for such things as unprotected sex, drugs, and dangerous situations such as getting into vehicles with an intoxicated driver isn't a matter of "should know better"—it's a matter of "couldn't rationalize better."
MRI scans show that before puberty, the prefrontal cortex starts to grow again, overproducing brain neurons and brain-cell connections called synapses. This area of the brain controls planning, mood, and organization—during adolescence, this overgrowth is pruned from the brain, with the weaker neurons and synapses overtaken by the stronger ones.
Peer pressure, poor family life, and corrupt neighborhoods, can influence teens in ways that will imprint them for the rest of their adult lives.
The best advice for teens seems to still be advice that our grandparents, great-grandparents, and great-great-grandparents passed down—surround yourself with positive influences. Our elders may not have known about the development of the adolescent mind, but they certainly knew that peer pressure and environmental issues were strong influences powerful enough to set teens unto their future path for life. And the experts agree—they advise teens to keep a core group of friends who share their interests and beliefs.
What about teens who fall into the wrong crowd? To a teen, what others think about them matters—their peers, adults, teachers, etc.—all these opinions are important. For young adults who have fallen into the wrong crowd, it's vital to encourage them to think about their future. Although this is contradictory to what has been mentioned thus far, if enough positive encouragement can outweigh the negative temptation of friends, there is the possibility and the promise they will feel engaged to change their patterns.
Girls Are From Venus, Boys From Mars
Without going into novel-depth about the many differences between genders, it's safe to say that there are differences—both developmentally and physically.
Studies reveal males have a larger brain, but females have a larger hippocampus which boosts memory, and a larger caudate which regulates voluntary movement. This affects how both genders not just relate to one another and the world around them, but also how they learn and react to classroom tasks.
Girls' brains mature faster, making them acceptable for social cognition earlier than boys, and they also tend to absorb challenging material sooner—allowing them to advance academically faster then their male classmates.
A study done by the National Institute of Mental Health found that circuits in a girl's brain dealing with emotion tend to fire more than a boy's when in social situations. MRI scans revealed older teen girls had more brain activity in these circuits than younger girls. These findings suggest that as a young woman ages, her brain activation increases in response to high-interest peers—they care what others think about them.
In contrast, boys' brain circuits showed little response, representing a shift in young men from interpersonal to ties to groups.
Regardless of gender, both young males and young females are taking on more responsibility than previous generations. In spite of their still developing decision-making skills, today's teens are overwhelmed by information, technology, priorities, and pressures. From the overflow of communications like text messages and phone calls, to part time jobs and after-school events, teens are taking on more than their assigned homework and chores.
Some Tips You Can Share With Parents About Dealing With Their Teen:
Encourage your teen to identify and label his/her emotions. Sometimes by thinking through or talking through a situation, it helps them process what it is they're dealing with clearly. It also can help build self-awareness.
Give your teen a reason to trust you. Cutting the cord is a hard step for most parents. By giving your child room to breathe and experience situations on his/her own, however, you're building a sense of mutual trust. Let them know that they can call you and rely on you to be there if they end up in an uncomfortable situation without strings attached or questions asked.
Encourage your teen to get involved. Being part of a club, organization, and/or charity helps build a sense of belonging within them. It can also help steer them into healthy relationships and friendships—away from negative influences.
Keep the lines of communication open. Dinnertime, family game night, morning breakfasts; these aren't just great commercials trying to sell board games—they're smart ideas. Have a time that's dedicated to family communication. Listening matters to your teen—you don't have to agree. Simply listening is powerful.
