Neurobiology is the study of the nervous system, especially the brain. It looks at how different areas of the brain interact, how they help regulate emotions, make decisions and enable learning. In young people, neurobiology provides a window into how their minds grow and adapt, which is helpful for understanding everything from attention spans to social interactions.

By understanding how children’s brains develop, parents and educators can be more supportive of youth at various stages.

Here is how neurobiology helps us understand and guide them:

• Behavior and Impulses: Young brains, particularly in teens, are still learning self-control, largely because their prefrontal cortex is not fully developed. This is why even responsible kids can sometimes act out or take risks. They are still learning to temper impulse with reason.
• Learning and Memory: Neurobiology teaches us that the brain grows in response to repetition and positive reinforcement. For example, young children benefit from repeated practice and routines, while adolescents often learn best when they see the real-world application of what they are studying.
• Emotions and Social Skills: Brain regions that manage emotion, like the amygdala, are active early on but continue developing well into the teenage years. This explains why younger kids might have intense emotions that feel overwhelming, and why teens might be more sensitive to peer approval and social dynamics.