Why Teens Do the Things They Do: The Still-Developing Teenage Brain
Dayna Scott, CY – Connecting Youth Coordinator & Grants Administrator

Your average 18 year-olds may LOOK like adults (these days so might some 13 year-olds!), however, their brains are still developing. New research has proven that the human brain does not reach full development until the mid-20’s. This is one big reason why teens are more prone to engage in risky behaviors. Put simply, teens and adults do not think the same way. Adults make decisions using the frontal cortex region of the brain, the part that controls rational functions. The frontal cortex of a teen’s brain happens to be the last part to develop. Therefore, teens rely primarily on the back part of their brain (called the amygdala) which controls the instinctual, emotional, and egocentric functions. This explains why teens often act impulsively and with heightened emotions. This also points to the importance of parents’ role in continuing to provide guidance and support throughout adolescence.
With advanced technology, we are learning more and more about brain chemistry. In adolescence the brain goes through a dramatic transformation—what is known as the “pruning phase,” whereby as much as 50% of neural connections in some regions of the brain are lost. We create neural pathways by using certain parts of the brain—those that get used the most grow stronger, while the weak connections die off. Why does this matter? It matters because adolescence is a formative period for the brain and can pave the way for unhealthy neural responses that can last a lifetime—for example using substances to deal with stress or alter our moods!
Early alcohol use also has many inherent negative effects on the brain. Studies show that drinking can lead to reduced sensitivity to intoxication, adverse effects to cognitive thinking, and the actual reduction in size of the hippocampus, the region of the brain responsible for memory and learning. Parents need to help their teens understand the impact of alcohol on the brain. They also need to be clear that while they may trust them, they know that teens do not always have the cognitive ability to make the best decisions.  Locking liquor cabinets, developing a no-use policy, and inquiring about parental supervision and alcohol availability at parties are important actions for parents to take during adolescence.
Connecting Youth (CY), an organization in the Chittenden South Supervisory Union dedicated to creating a safe and healthy environment for young people, is taking action against underage drinking. Contrary to popular misperceptions and messages in the media, it is NOT inevitable that teens will drink alcohol and it IS illegal to provide supervised or unsupervised drinking environments for underage youth. CY wants to help parents understand that they are essential in preventing underage drinking and there are many strategies they can use to do this.
CY offers the following tips for parents in regards to holding social events at their homes and for teens attending social events at other homes:
  How to Establish Ground Rules for Teen Events Held at Your Home
•      Work with your teen to establish the ground rules for the event ahead of time. Doing this not only helps them take ownership for the event but also helps teach them valuable life skills.
•      Discuss with your teen how they will convey the ground rules to all of their guests. Be available to help your teen resolve any issues or problems that may arise during the event.
•      Be clear that absolutely no alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs are allowed. Remember it is illegal for parents to serve alcohol to anyone under age 21 and social host laws can hold parents responsible for allowing alcohol use by minors on their property.
•      Do not permit guests to leave and return to the party without a specific reason. Make sure someone is available to monitor this.
•      Always have the lights on at the event and plan to circulate through the guests regularly so you can see what’s happening.
•      Make some rooms/areas off limits. People must respect and protect your family’s personal property.
•      Establish an ending time and be sure guests know when that is in advance.
•      Discuss and rehearse for the unexpected and how you and your teen might handle any issues that arise. Role play scenarios, if possible.

  How to Establish Ground Rules for Events Outside of Your Home
•      Obtain the name, address, and phone number of the person responsible for the event. Ask your teen to communicate with you if any of the information changes.
•      Call to make sure that a parent will be present at the event. Clarify what kind of supervision will take place—will an adult be regularly monitoring activities or will he/she just be “home” but not checking in?
•      Ask the parents if alcohol will be present and what their policy is around alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use.
•      Speak directly to the parent and let your teen know that it is not because you do not trust them but because parties with alcohol and other substances are not acceptable to you.
•      If you are available to drive your teen to the party, wait to see that they are inside the house before leaving and agree on a pick up time. Be prompt.
•      If you are not available to drive your teen, make sure you know of and approve of who is driving.
•      Make sure your teen is available to reach you at anytime during the party.
•      Make it easy for your teen to leave the party and do not require a reason. You can always discuss the situation at a later time, not in the heat of the moment.
•      Know what time the party ends and be available or expect to be awakened. Checking in after an event provides an excellent opportunity to communicate and hear your teens’ experiences, feelings, and reactions. It also provides you the ability to notice any signs or symptoms of possible alcohol or other drug use.

To connect with CY and other parents in Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George, and Williston please become a fan of CY on Facebook at www.facebook.com/connectingyouth. More information is also available at www.seewhy.info.