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Fri 27 Jul, 2007 06:17 pm
Why do many 16-yr-olds act like they're missing part of their brain?
Because they ARE!
Even bright, mature teenagers do things that are 'stupid'.
But when that happens, it's not really their fault. It's because their brain hasn't finished developing. This underdeveloped area is called the dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex*. It plays a critical role in decision making, problem solving and understanding future consequences of today's actions. Problem is, it won't be fully mature until they're into their 20s.
*prefotnal cortex: "Divided into the lateral, orbitofrontal and medial prefrontal areas, this brain region has been implicated in planning complex cognitive behaviors, personality expression and moderating correct social behavior."
As an example: It's one reason that 16-yr-old-drivers have crash rates three times higher than 17 yr olds and have 5 times higher than 18 yr olds.
As far as making other lifestyle and relationship decisions, the same portion of the brain is called upon to make those judgement calls. This is one of the reasons that laws are what they are and why society ATTEMPTS to protect children from themselves and from adults from tampering with minors.
Thank you, Ragman.
There have been so many weird post about minors lately that it is nice to see someone say "don't tamper with them".
To think. My mother married off at the ripe old age of 17.
And that was a norm.
That may explain my generation as I know it. At 16, treated as an adult.
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