All language subtitles for Decision making and the adolescent brain

The human brain develops and connects from bottom
to top. During adolescence two parts of the brain

undergoing development are the amygdala and the
prefrontal cortex. The amygdala is responsible for

emotions impulses and instinctive behaviour. It's
part of the brain sometimes referred to as the

emotional brain. The prefrontal cortex
is responsible for executive functioning...

things like problem solving decision making
planning and the use of judgment. It helps us think

through the consequences of our actions, inhibit
behaviours and allows us to focus on long-term

goals. It is the part of the brain people often
refer to as the thinking brain. Our prefrontal

cortex is one of the last parts of the brain to
fully develop. This usually happens by our mid-20s.

The amygdala on the other hand develops well
before the prefrontal cortex. So adolescence

involves a period where these two parts of the
brain aren't fully connected to one another.

because of this a young person's decision-making
and problem-solving abilities are more heavily

driven by the amygdala - the emotional brain, rather
than the prefrontal cortex - the thinking brain.

This is why adults can sometimes see young
people's decisions as impulsive, poorly thought

out or driven by emotion. And whilst we know young
people can accurately recognise and assess risk,

they often place a higher value on a potential
reward when weighed up against a potential risk.

Although this might sound like a bad thing,
this is actually a pivotal part of growing up.

Through risk taking and trying new things
young people are getting a chance to test

their ideas and learn by trial and error. This
is helpful in moving towards independence.

It is how we as humans
develop learn adapt and grow.