Why do most 16-year-olds act like they’re missing a part of their brain?
Because they are.
Even bright, mature teenagers sometimes do things that are “stupid.”
But when that happens, it’s not really their fault. It’s because their brain hasn’t finished developing. The underdeveloped area is called the dorsal lateral pre-frontal 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.
It’s one reason 16-year-old drivers have crash rates three times higher than 17-year-olds and five times higher than 18-year-olds.
Let’s help our teenagers not miss out on tomorrow just because they have something missing today.
I ask: Why should we expect teens to make sound decisions about sex, much less safe sex?
