Why Understanding the Brain Helps Young People Thrive

The Power of Neuroscience

Many young people are fascinated when they discover how their brains work.

At Amazing Minds, neuroscience forms a key part of our programmes because understanding the brain can help young people make sense of their thoughts, emotions and behaviours.

When young people experience strong emotions such as anxiety, frustration or anger, they can sometimes react before they have time to think things through.

Neuroscience helps explain why.

Research shows that the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain involved in planning, decision-making and self-regulation, continues developing into the mid-twenties. Meanwhile, emotional parts of the brain are highly active during adolescence.

This means young people can sometimes find themselves reacting emotionally before their thinking brain has had time to catch up.

Understanding this can be incredibly empowering.

Rather than seeing themselves as "bad", "naughty" or "hopeless", young people begin to recognise that their brains are still developing and that they can learn strategies to better manage their thoughts, feelings and reactions.

At Amazing Minds, we teach neuroscience in a simple, engaging and accessible way. Young people learn practical techniques that help them pause, reflect and make more considered choices.

When young people understand how their brains work, they are more likely to take ownership of their wellbeing and develop greater confidence in their ability to manage life's challenges.

Further Reading

Dr Daniel Siegel (2014). Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain.