The teen years are a time of significant changes — not just in the body, but in the brain. Understanding how the brain works during this time can help parents, caregivers and teens make sense of mood swings, choices and mental health challenges.

Critical Stages of Brain Development

Why Teens Take More Risks

Because the prefrontal cortex is still developing, teens’ decisions are often more influenced by the brain’s emotional and reward centers, including parts of the limbic system. This includes the amygdala, which plays a role in processing strong emotions, especially anxiety and fear. It also helps assess risks and rewards. That’s why teens may take chances — even when they know something is risky.

“It’s important for every teen to have a trusted adult who they can talk to, who listens without judgment and who believes in them,” says Amanda R. Lucchetti, PsyD, a neuropsychologist at Northwestern Medicine. “You can support your teen by being available to listen and talk through their decisions. It can be hard not to tell them what to do and not to do. As long as they are making safe choices, you can be an active listener and reflect back what they say to help them with important decisions.”

The Link Between Anxiety, Depression and the Growing Brain

Teens are more likely to experience mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Because their brains are still developing, stress can be more challenging to manage. Hormonal changes, social pressure and lack of sleep all play a role.

Risk factors for anxiety and depression in teens include:

• Academic pressure
• Over-scheduling with sports, social events and other activities
• High expectations from school, friends and parents
• Bullying
• Family or peer conflict
• Use of drugs or alcohol
• Unsafe sexual behavior

“Many teens find it challenging to manage their mood and worries,” says Dr. Lucchetti. “They are most likely to go to their friends with concerns, but a trusted adult should be involved when there are concerns about anxiety or depression, and the behaviors linked to them.”

Higher levels of hormones like estrogen and testosterone can change mood and behavior. Hormonal changes can also affect sleep and energy, leading to emotional ups and downs.

The Role of Sleep

Sleep is essential for healthy brain development. Teens need nine to 10 hours of sleep each night, but many don’t get the recommended amount of sleep. Early school start times, sports and screen time can make getting the sleep they need a challenge. Poor sleep affects memory, focus and emotional control — and can increase the risk of anxiety and depression.

“Healthy sleep habits directly contribute to improved attention and emotional well-being,” says Dr. Lucchetti. “When we are well rested, we are better able to solve problems, manage conflict and complete tasks efficiently. Prioritizing sleep is a critical intervention that all teens would benefit from.”

Social Media and the Teen Brain

Social media can affect attention, mood and mental health. Teens may compare themselves to others online, leading to low self-esteem or anxiety. The constant need to check apps can overstimulate their brain and disrupt sleep.

The “fear of missing out” is real. Seeing friends’ posts online can make teens feel excluded. Brain scans show that social rejection activates the same areas as physical pain. This can lead to emotional distress and compulsive social media use.

“Teens today face more social pressures than ever,” says Dr. Lucchetti. “Have straightforward conversations about setting boundaries for social media and screen time. They are growing up in a time where many images they see are edited, which leads to unrealistic expectations of how something should appear.”

Too much screen time can also interfere with how the brain works. It may reduce creativity, attention span and emotional regulation. Teens who spend a lot of time on screens may struggle with school, relationships and sleep.

“Extended screen time is replacing face-to-face interactions where we learn and practice social skills,” says Dr. Lucchetti. “Quality time off screens is important for social connection and a sense of belonging. This allows you and your teen to be more present and available to enjoy time together as a family.”

Recognizing Signs of Distress

Parents should watch for signs of distress in their teen, including:

• Withdrawal from friends or activities
• Withdrawal from family life (for example, spending more time in their room)
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Mood swings or irritability
• Drop in school performance

These may be signs of psychological distress and should not be ignored.

When to Seek Help

If your teen shows these signs of distress, talk to their pediatrician or school counselor about your concerns. They can help you determine whether to seek a specialist like a therapist outside of school or a neuropsychologist. A neuropsychologist is a specialized psychologist who studies how brain function affects behavior and emotions.

A neuropsychologist may recommend a targeted or comprehensive neuropsychological assessment, which can identify learning or thinking challenges and offer recommendations to support your teen.

If your teen is involved in risky or unsafe behaviors or talks about hopelessness or self-harm, seek immediate help. If you are worried about their safety, call 9-8-8 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or go to the nearest emergency department.

Supporting Healthy Brain Development

Starting healthy habits now can support long-term brain health. Encourage your teen to:

• Keep a regular sleep schedule.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Exercise regularly.
• Practice mindfulness and manage stress.
• Create boundaries around screen time and social media.
• Build positive relationships with trusted role models.