Ctrl-Alt-Advice

Let’s talk about the teenage brain...

June 15, 2025

When I announced many years ago to my family - that I wanted to be a teacher - they laughed and said why would you want to do that! My answer, its fine I want to be a Business Ed teacher - they will only be in my class if they have chosen to be - so they will behave! Oh how naive was I!

Key Facts about the Teenage Brain

  1. The Prefrontal Cortex is still buffering…

    That’s the bit that helps them make decisions, think ahead, resist impulses and understand consequences. Yep – still very much under construction.

  2. The Limbic System is running the show

    Emotions are processed here, and in teenagers, it’s on full blast. So don’t be surprised if they cry over a broken pen or laugh manically at a spreadsheet.

  3. Risk-taking feels brilliant

    Their brain gets a proper dopamine buzz from doing daft or daring things. It’s not personal – it’s just… science.

  4. Everything hits hard

    The good stuff feels amazing. The bad stuff? The worst thing that’s ever happened in their entire life. Even if it’s just forgetting a pencil.

  5. They need sleep – but rarely get it

    8 to 10 hours is ideal. Most are running on fumes. No wonder they’re grumpy by Period 6.

  6. Relationships are everything

    Friends, family, teachers – they need connection. They need to feel seen, heard, respected, and safe. That includes your classroom.

So what can YOU the teacher do in your classroom to ensure your space is safe for these complex beings?

  • Set clear boundaries – together

    • Co-construct your class expectations. They’ll take it more seriously if they’ve helped shape it.

  • Talk to them – properly

    • Don’t jump straight to punishment. Have the conversation. Explain. Listen. Resolve.

  • Be patient

    • Sure, you were teaching the Marketing Mix… but you were also modelling self-regulation, empathy, and how to adult when things go wrong.

  • Build relationships

    • You are NOT their friend. But you can be someone who listens, who gets it, and who knows how to say things in a way that lands. You’re the adult – and you staying calm matters more than you think.

This was written by a teacher for teachers. No teenagers were harmed in the making of this post. No Educational Psychologists were consulted (or harmed) in the making of this post!