The teenage brain (Woman’s Hour R4)

[Iamanaubergine]

Interesting slot on Wednesday’s Woman’s Hour about the teenage brain. Talking about how drive to be included in peer group and risk taking is much higher in teenagers. Brain keeps developing to mid twenties. Interesting in relation to ROGD (but not mentioned obviously!)

Just heard this. Loads about risk taking, and wanting to fit in with peer group- being embarrassed by parents. The drive to fit in, and the very real stress and fear when teenagers feel that they are being viewed by their peer group, as need to “fit in” with peers is a necessary step to becoming independent of parents.

This is the mechanism that allows children to leave home and make their own lives. Peer groups often have more influence than parents do, and from an early age.