Page 15 - Parenting Workshop 2024 Special Edition
P. 15
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
