The Changing Adolescent

Brain

 Adolescence is a time filled with many

changes, physical, social, cognitive and
emotional. Adolescent brain
development is much more dynamic
than previously thought.

 The major brain development is the

prefrontal cortex. This happens in your
mid-teen years until your mid-20s. This
area leads to the higher brain functions.
The frontal lobe matures until 25 years.

 Until the frontal lobe matures, other

parts (temporal lobe, parietal lobe and
amygdala) are used for language
development and decision-making.
Because of the involvement of these
parts of the brain, adolescents tend to
lack impulse control and demonstrate
more irrational behaviors. All of these
characteristics affect your ability to
learn, your behavior and personality.

 In terms of cognitive abilities process

more information, memory expands,
have bigger vocabulary, and ability to
think becomes better.
For behavior and personality, teens
become idealistic and critical of people
and events. In your high school years,
you may feel very self-conscious and
think that other people are constantly
looking at you.
This is the Imaginary Audience.

 One gift that your brain development

will give you as you mature is the ability
for life planning. You will be able to think
of the future, your future and plan goals
you may want to achieve in the next 510 years of your life.
This crucial stage need the guidance
and monitoring of your parents and
other significant adults in your life.

 You have to take care of

your brain.