Understanding the Teen Brain: What’s Going on at This Age?

Being a teen is hard. At that age, they’re coping with pressures at school, part-time jobs, family, friends, and their newly changing bodies. They’re learning to take on more responsibilities while discovering who they are. As a parent, you’re probably wondering how best to support your teen.

After all, they’re most likely making decisions and behaving in ways you don’t understand. So what’s going on with their brain development?

The developing brain, risk-taking, and processing of emotions

The teenage brain undergoes huge changes during puberty and beyond adolescence. Neurologically, the brain is rewiring itself, and various regions are growing at different rates. The prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making, judgment, and impulse control, is still developing during the teenage years. The prefrontal cortex is not fully mature until age 25 or so, which is why teenagers may struggle with self-regulation and long-term planning.

Instead of responding to situations using their prefrontal cortex, teens use their amygdala. The amygdala, part of the limbic system of the brain, is more involved in processing emotion and memory. It’s responsible for our more immediate emotional reactions, such as fear and anger. In short, teens are less able to use reasoning and rationality to make decisions.

Their still-developing prefrontal cortex (and more active amygdala) explains why teenagers often engage in risky behaviors or make impulsive decisions without fully considering the consequences. They’re more likely to get in fights, respond with big emotions, break rules, and act rebellious than an adult.

Mood swings and hormones

During puberty teens experience surges in hormones, particularly serotonin, GABA, and cortisol. Estrogen and testosterone also are key elements of how a teen’s body changes. These hormonal changes can affect mood, behavior, and physical development.

They can play a factor in a teen’s increased desire for independence and exploration. They also contribute to the development of sexual and romantic interests. Teens at this age have a greater desire to feel part of a group and are more sensitive to social interactions.

How You Can Support Your Teen

Allow for some risk-taking

Not all rebelliousness and exploration are bad. In fact, healthy risk-taking can be good for a teen’s learning development and give them practice in making their own decisions. Talk to your teen about making wise decisions and have them think through their motivations.

Making mistakes is also normal and healthy! When you keep the dialogue open about what kinds of risks are acceptable for your family dynamic, you can work to eliminate shame and secretiveness.

Take a genuine interest in them

Your teen might be discovering themselves with new music, fashion choices, and activities that you don’t understand. But when you make an effort to show them you care and want to connect, they’re more likely to open up.

Look at their developing brain as an opportunity to see the world in a different way. Let them know how much you love them through action and attempts at meaningful connection.

Look for warning signs

Moodiness and teenagers go hand in hand. But be on the lookout for behavior that seems out of the normal, such as withdrawing from friends and family, big changes in sleeping and eating habits, and slipping grades. These could be signs of a condition like depression or substance abuse.

If your teen is struggling beyond what’s normal at their age, consider taking them to therapy. A therapist can give them the tools to regulate their emotions, cope with academic and family stresses, and think through their decisions.

To find out more about how therapy can help your teen empower themselves, please reach out to us.

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