Page 14 - Parenting Workshop 2024 Special Edition

KEY KEY
The Brain
INSIGHT INSIGHT

& Your Adolescent

he prefrontal cortex, which gov-
erns cognitive functions such as
Tdecision-making, impulse con-

trol, and planning, is typically fully de-
veloped by the mid-20s, around age
25. In teenagers, it is estimated to be
around 80-90% developed, but it is still
maturing.

This ongoing development explains

why adolescents often rely more on
the emotional and reactive parts of
their brain, like the amygdala, for deci-
Adolescence sion-making.

10 - 24 This doesn’t mean they’re incapa-

YEARS ble of rational thought—it just means
their brains are still “under construc-
Adolescence is a period of significant tion.” With guidance and experience,

they learn to use their prefrontal cor-
physical, emotional, and social develop- tex more effectively as it matures.

ment. It’s a time of self-discovery, Parents, teachers, and mentors can help

identity formation, and navigating by providing support, setting boundar-

ies, and encouraging decision-making
complex relationships. in a safe environment.

THE REGENT SECONDARY SCHOOL 14 14 THE REGENT SECONDARY SCHOOL 15