The Adolescent Brain

It is now widely recognised that adolescence is a time of huge restructuring for the brain. The brain re-wires in response to environment and experiences as it matures and prepares for moving into adulthood. It is suggested that full brain maturity isn’t reached until around 25 years old. During this development the pre-frontal cortex is the very last part of the brain to mature. This is the part responsible for logic, reasoning, forward planning and regulating our responses. Recognising that adolescents are managing a changing body, a developing brain and significant social issues helps us to understand what a potentially difficult time this can be in terms of needs and support around sexual health and relationships