Better Understanding Adolescence Creates Promising Futures

What should we know about teens and adolescents to help them learn and succeed? Adolescence starts with puberty but ends based on shifting social and cultural norms and expectations, but generally ranges from about age 10 – 25 (NAESM, 2018).

Adolescence is a time of promise and opportunity for them and for the adults in their lives. As adolescents develop, their heightened brain malleability and changes in body increase both their opportunity and vulnerability in life. Understanding the unique challenges of this time in student’s lives can help offer better opportunities for success.

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Adolescents commonly experience increased:

  • Sensitivity to social evaluation and a need for strong positive peer and adult relationships, sense
    of belonging, acceptance, and respect.

  • Susceptibility to peer influence and to risk-taking, both positive and negative.

  • Ability to take on complex cognitive tasks.

  • Risk for mental and behavioral health issues including alcohol and substance use, as well as
    sexual health issues, physical injuries, and trauma.

  • Understanding of their purpose and unique identity.

  • Need for greater agency on issues of personal relevance.