Teenage Brain Research Paper

The brain is the organ that directs all of the body’s functions. However, the brains of teenagers are not fully developed. On another note, ninety percent of adult smokers began smoking before the age of eighteen (“Trends in”). As this information may coincide, the smoking age, which is currently at the age of eighteen, should be raised even higher. The smoking age should be raised (to at least twenty-one) because teenagers are not making logical decisions, teenagers are at a vulnerable age, and teenagers are more likely to become addicted to drugs. First off, teenagers are not making logical decisions due to underdeveloped brains. The brain may not fully develop until the mid twenties. In addition, the prefrontal cortex is one of the last parts to develop. The article “Are teenage brains really different from adult brains?” states “As such, the prefrontal cortex is a little immature in teenagers as compared to adults; it may not fully develop until your mid-20s [source: Kotulak]” (Edmonds). Also, the prefrontal cortex is responsible for controlling impulses, weighing outcomes and forming judgments (Edmonds). Teenagers have trouble making wise decisions because they cannot weigh negative outcomes and act on impulses due to their immature prefrontal cortex. Furthermore, when a teenager is …show more content…
They are easily manipulated, largely because of their immature prefrontal cortex (Bergland). Moreover, advertising strategist take advantage of this. The article “Why Teens Smoke” acknowledges that “There’s clear evidence that tobacco companies target children [and teenagers] in their marketing” (“Why Teens”). Marketing strategist purposely target teens and children when their brains are most vulnerable. Peers and friends can also influence teenagers’ ways of thinking. To sum it up, because teenagers’ brains are still developing, they are easily manipulated and can be easily persuaded to try