Teens seem to do things that leave parents confused. It is as if their brain is not engaged. Well, it may not be.
Study
A study presented at the BA Festival of Science in England in September of 2006 states that the frontal lobe of teenagers is not well-developed and they can not behave like adults. Even though they may be 16 or 17 years old and look like adults, the brain has not matured. The brain is playing catch-up with the body.
Grows in Spurts
Adding to the confusion, teenage brains don't develop smoothly. With growth and hormone changes to consider, the brain may grow in spurts. Suddenly, an adult may notice that a "lightbulb" just flashed on -- they are acting human now. The brain developed more at that point.
Teens Seem Selfish
Teenagers tend to think with the back of their brain and adults the front of the brain. What the teenage brain does not take into account is how their actions may affect those around them. An adult is likely to consider peers, a spouse, and children before making a decision. Therefore, a teenager looks selfish and impulsive. And, in a way, they are because the part of the brain that holds empathy is not well-developed. Teenagers are literally not capable of behaving in the way adults choose to have them behave.
Frontal Lobe is Critical
Since every teenager develops at a different rate, it is impossible to predict when each will reach maturity. Waiting for the frontal lobe to develop may be frustrating. It may not happen until students begin attending college and return home as more civilized beings. The college experience may have had some effect but it was probably more likely the stage in development of the teenage brain.
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Copyright article 2006 Barbara Pytel. All Rights Reserved.
