A lot of changes happen to us in the teenage years. Not only is your body changing, your brain is changing too. It can be exciting, but sometimes it can be scary too.
We can experience lots of different emotions when we are a teenager. These emotions help us make sense of the world around us. Some emotions can be difficult for us, and some can feel overwhelming. This is a very normal part of being a teenager. If you’re struggling with emotions, it can help to talk to someone and you can find help here: Find Help | Health for Teens | Manchester and Trafford
It can also help to learn a bit about the basic science of the brain to help you understand more about some of the things you might be feeling. Take our quiz below and find out more about the changes that happen to the brain in teenagers.
true or false
The teenage years are an important time for brain development.
TRUE
FALSE
That's right. Although the brain stops growing in size by early adolescence, the teen years are all about fine-tuning how the brain works. The brain finishes developing and maturing in the mid-to-late 20s. The part of the brain behind the forehead, called the prefrontal cortex, is one of the last parts to mature. This area is responsible for skills like planning, prioritising, and making good decisions.
It's true. Although the brain stops growing in size by early adolescence, the teen years are all about fine-tuning how the brain works. The brain finishes developing and maturing in the mid-to-late 20s. The part of the brain behind the forehead, called the prefrontal cortex, is one of the last parts to mature. This area is responsible for skills like planning, prioritising, and making good decisions.
true or false
Your brain is developing until you're 18 years old.
TRUE
FALSE
It's actually false. Scientists have discovered that your brain keeps developing well into your twenties!
That's right - it's false. Scientists have discovered that your brain keeps developing well into your twenties!
true or false
The teen brain has an amazing ability to adapt and respond to new experiences and situations.
TRUE
FALSE
Yes, that's right! Learning in school, exercising, and engaging in creative activities like art or music can strengthen brain circuits and help the brain mature.
It's actually correct. Learning in school, exercising, and engaging in creative activities like art or music can strengthen brain circuits and help the brain mature.
true or false
Most teens do not get enough sleep.
TRUE
FALSE
It's true. Research shows that the sleep hormone melatonin works differently in teens than in children and adults. You can see some top tips to help create good sleep habits here: https://www.healthforteens.co.uk/manchester/how-to-improve-your-sleep-habits/
It's true. Research shows that the sleep hormone melatonin works differently in teens than in children and adults. You can see some top tips to help create good sleep habits here: https://www.healthforteens.co.uk/manchester/how-to-improve-your-sleep-habits/
true or false
Teen brains may respond differently to stress.
TRUE
FALSE
Yes, it's true. Because the teen brain is still developing, teens may respond to stress differently than adults. Practicing healthy coping strategies can help you manage stress. You can see some ideas here: https://www.healthforteens.co.uk/feelings/4-relaxation-techniques-to-combat-stress-and-anxiety/
It's true. Because the teen brain is still developing, teens may respond to stress differently than adults. Practicing healthy coping strategies can help you manage stress. You can see some ideas here: https://www.healthforteens.co.uk/feelings/4-relaxation-techniques-to-combat-stress-and-anxiety/
true or false
The teen brain is resilient.
TRUE
FALSE
Yes, some changes in the brain during this time of development actually help support resilience and mental health over the long term.
It's actually true. Some changes in the brain during this time of development actually help support resilience and mental health over the long term.
true or false
All teenagers experience change the same way.
TRUE
FALSE
It's false. Change is happening for everyone but how we experience change in the teenage years is different for everyone.
It is false. Change is happening for everyone but how we experience change in the teenage years is different for everyone.
