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The teenage brain starts to change and lose things which are not needed, to give more space to focus on the most important things to the young person. The two main changes were in very different parts of the brain;
The teenage brain starts to change and lose things which are not needed, to give more space to focus on the most important things to the young person. The two main changes were in very different parts of the brain;
Prefrontal Cortex
Prefrontal Cortex
The cortex is the crinkly outside bit of the brain.
Adults use the front part of the brain to think, make judgements, organise themselves and interpret emotions shown on people's faces.
In teenagers, this part of the brain is still growing and developing and you use this part of the brain less often than adults.
Amygdala
Amygdala
It is shaped like an almond and is near the middle of our brain. We have two, one on either side of the middle of our brain.
It is very sensitive to danger and gets the body ready to react.
It is involved in our feelings when we have a 'gut reaction'.
In the teenage years, the control of speech and reading facial expressions is moved from the prefrontal cortex (the reasoning part) to the amygdala .
In the teenage years, the control of speech and reading facial expressions is moved from the prefrontal cortex (the reasoning part) to the amygdala .
This can lead to a more impulsive an defensive reaction from you or your friends rather than a thoughtful one.
This can lead to a more impulsive an defensive reaction from you or your friends rather than a thoughtful one.
Do you want to learn more about the teenage brain?
Do you want to learn more about the teenage brain?
Solihull has a course designed specifically for teenagers to learn about their brain. It is free and easy to use. There are also courses for parents to take part.
Use access code 'TARTAN' to unlock the free online course, click: UNDERSTANDING YOUR BRAIN
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