adolescent brain development

Adolescent brain development involves significant changes, especially in the prefrontal cortex, which governs decision-making, impulse control, and planning. During this time, these areas are still maturing, leading to increased risk-taking and emotional responses. Meanwhile, the limbic system, responsible for emotions and reward seeking, develops earlier, creating a mismatch that affects behavior. This ongoing development helps teens learn, adapt, and become more self-aware, but also explains why they may act impulsively or be more emotionally intense. Overall, adolescent brains are dynamic and flexible, setting the foundation for adult reasoning and judgment.