There are big changes going on in adolescents’ lives. Not only physical changes, but also important changes in social and emotional development, as they move from being a child to becoming an adult. Although we sometimes expect them to think and behave like an adult, their brain is very different to an adult’s brain and won’t be fully developed until they’re in their twenties. For the full article, click here
Adolescence is an exciting and important time in development; there are many opportunities, but there are also some risks.
A tricky issue for almost every parent is alcohol. Everyone has an opinion about the age teens should start drinking, and how
much influence their parents should wield. To read the full article, click here
Energetic, innovative, creative, curious and sometimes confused. Adolescents are going through changes that can be challenging for them and for their parents. Understanding the recent insights into adolescent development may help parents and other adults support adolescents to thrive. Read the full article here
Adolescence is often portrayed as a time of difficult and challenging behaviours. Yet it’s possible to view adolescence in a much more positive light. Recent research may help adults understand and appreciate the remarkable changes that are taking place. read more
For the first time in New Zealand Dr Lindsay Squeglia, University of California, USA, a leading researcher on the effect of alcohol and marijuana on the adolescent brain presented alongside renowned researcher Professor David Fergusson, Founder and Director of the Christchurch Health and Development Study; and Nathan Mikaere-Wallis, Brainwave Trust Trustee at a symposium hosted by Brainwave Trust on the effects of alcohol and marijuana on the adolescent brain. Read more
Dr Lindsay Squeglia is a leading U.S. neuroscience researcher, visiting New Zealand for a symposium on Alcohol, Marijuana and the Adolescent Brain – organised by the Brainwave Trust.
She conducted the first longitudinal research on adolescents aged 12 to 18 exploring the effects of alcohol and cannabis on young people’s behaviours and performance. This involved scanning the brains of drinking and non-drinking teenagers over three years. Read more
Energetic, innovative, creative, curious and sometimes confused. Adolescents are going through changes that can be challenging for them and for their parents. Understanding the recent insights into adolescent development may help parents and other adults support adolescents to thrive. Click here for the full article.
This article provides a brief review of some key papers regarding adolescent alcohol use and provides a NZ context on the issue. Read the full article here.