Teen Risk-Taking and the Developing Brain

This article was written by Joan Janusz, a member of the Northfield Mayor’s Task Force on Youth Alcohol and Drug Use. 

 Where is she? Why didn’t she plan ahead and call? Smoking?—he said he would never try cigarettes.  Surely our son wouldn’t ride with someone who has been drinking. 

Last month in our Guest Column, the Mayor’s Task Force on Youth Alcohol and Drug Use talked about concerns of possible high risk behaviors connected with prom such as substance use, drinking and driving, unsafe sex.  For fun and safety, planning ahead was emphasized.

These concerns and others warrant ongoing parent and other adult involvement with teens.  Why so important?  It’s not that we don’t trust teens, but that they need our input and guidance.  One of the reasons teens make poor choices is because of the way their brains work (or don’t yet work).   Although teens may look outwardly like younger versions of adults, research shows that inside their head they aren’t.  The front part of their brain--the prefrontal cortex-- is still developing, and won’t be fully developed until around age 25. This part of the brain is responsible for processing information, making judgments, controlling impulses, and foreseeing consequences. 

This explains the moodiness, inconsistent behavior, and risk taking which unfortunately can involve experimentation with tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs.  Not only is there concern about the possible immediate consequences of substance abuse: impaired judgment leading to personal injury to self and/or others, criminal behavior (stealing to get drugs), and poor academic performance but there is the possibility of long term consequences as well.  The use of alcohol and drugs in these vulnerable teen years can cause permanent damage to the developing brain. 

It’s not all gloom and doom, however.  Adults, parents especially, can guide teens to help foster brain development.  Here are some things that have been suggested to help teen brains develop:

·        Encourage activities that build on the strengths of the developing brain such as sports and music.

·        Help your teen face challenges that require a lot of planning.

·        Discuss how risk-taking can have negative and unforeseen consequences.  Together with your teen think of examples, ones they can relate to.

·        Understand and discuss the developing brain’s susceptibility to substance abuse.  It’s helpful for your teen to know there is an explanation for some of his/her “impulsivity” and how to handle that when it happens.

·        Accept the “oops” behaviors that may be the result of an immature brain—but have firm rules where dangerous behaviors are involved.

Although it may not seem like it, teens want parents to talk with them.  Keep lines of communication open about what is going on in their daily lives.  Young people say parents are the most important influence when it comes to using drugs and alcohol. Talking with your teen about alcohol and drugs and having firm rules about not using are a proven deterrent.

While your teen’s brain is still developing, you can “feed” your own by learning more. There are helpful web sites. Two are: www.drugfree.org/teenbrain.  The other is by Dr. Ken Winter from the University of Minnesota: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aiy2bPVfHg8.

Although wired for risk taking; there are ways of helping that teen brain stay “on track”.