Teenagers' brains are not fully developed, researchers say

By Staff Writer

A recent study found that the human brain doesn't stop developing until an individual reaches his or her early 20s, debunking a previous belief that the organ is finished changing before the teenage years.

According to research conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the University of California-Los Angeles, the frontal lobes of the brain - responsible for reasoning and problem-solving - continue to develop throughout a child's teens and into early adulthood.

Researchers said that while teenagers typically are capable of knowing the difference between a good and bad decision, their ability to anticipate the consequences of an action is not fully developed. An official from the Treatment Research Institute in Philadelphia said that parents can help teens take "thinking breaks," which can prompt them to reflect and make better decisions.

Recent studies reveal that millions of teenagers across the U.S. are not making responsible decisions. According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, approximately 30 percent of teens admitted to taking illegal drugs.