Understanding the Teenage Brain

25 Jun 24

Understanding the Teenage Brain

25 Jun 24

Understanding the Teenage Brain 

Inside Out 2 – One to watch as a SENCO?

As the highly anticipated Inside Out 2 hits cinemas this week, we have the perfect opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of the teenage brain. This film, just like its predecessor, blends humour and heart to explore complex psychological concepts, making it a fantastic educational tool for understanding how our minds work—especially during the tumultuous teenage years.

Inside Out 2 focuses on Riley as she navigates the challenges of adolescence. The film cleverly illustrates how her emotions—Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust—adapt and evolve as her brain undergoes significant changes during puberty. Additionally, Riley meets new emotions that reflect her growing complexity. Here are some key insights from the movie that relate to teenage brain development:

  1. Brain Rewiring: During puberty, the brain undergoes a process called synaptic pruning, where unused neural connections are eliminated, and others are strengthened. This rewiring helps adolescents develop more efficient and effective brain functions. [FUN FACT: It’s like spring cleaning for your brain—out with the old, in with the new!]

  2. Emotional Turbulence: The film portrays the heightened emotional sensitivity of teenagers. This is due to the amygdala, the brain’s emotion centre, being more active, while the prefrontal cortex, responsible for reasoning and decision-making, is still maturing. [TIP: Patience and understanding go a long way in supporting teenagers through this emotional rollercoaster.]

  3. Identity Formation: Adolescence is a critical time for identity formation. The film shows Riley grappling with questions about who she is and who she wants to be. This mirrors real-life developmental tasks where teenagers explore different aspects of their identity.

  4. New Emotions: Riley’s evolving emotional landscape introduces new characters such as Anxiety, who takes over much of her emotional regulation, along with Envy, Ennui, and Embarrassment. These additions reflect the increasing complexity of her feelings as she deals with more sophisticated social and personal issues. [TIP: These new emotions can be a great conversation starter about how teenagers handle these feelings in real life.]

  5. Social Dynamics: Inside Out 2 also highlights the importance of friendships and social interactions. Teenagers place a high value on peer relationships as they seek independence from their parents. [TIP: Encourage healthy social interactions and be there to guide them through any social challenges.]

I highly recommend that all middle and secondary teachers, parents, and students watch Inside Out 2. Not only is it an entertaining film, but it also provides valuable insights into the teenage brain. Understanding these changes can help us better support our students as they navigate this critical stage of development.

Perhaps we can even plan it as an end of term event!  Go grab your popcorn, enjoy the movie, and gain a deeper understanding of the incredible teenage brain. Happy watching!

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