They enjoy excitement and new experiences, but they often struggle to set limits and think things through carefully.

Since boys have only one X chromosome, any problems with this gene show up more strongly in them. This can lead to behaviors like starting drug use early and having trouble controlling impulses

Youth start to think in more complicated ways, which brings new and sometimes confusing feelings and ideas

There has been some criticism leveled at this model in studies that show that teens tend to engage in risky behavior more often when their peers are around.

The concept of “adolescence” itself is relatively new

what adolescence really is and where it comes from

I share this story to show how much the lives of young people between the ages of 13 and 18 can differ across time, place, and culture.