The Teenage Brain

The brain’s center for judgment, learning and decision-making (the frontal lobe) doesn’t fully mature until the early 20’s, leaving teens especially vulnerable to making quick, often risky, impulsive choices. 

In addition, the teen brain’s emotional center (amygdala) is not well controlled by the frontal lobe, making teens especially susceptible to peer pressure and more volatile, often prone to unpredictable behavior. Understanding the development of the teen brain and its limitations can help parents make more effective decisions.