The Promise of Adolescence

Adolescence-beginning with the onset of puberty and ending in the mid-20s-is a critical period of development during which key areas of the brain mature and develop. These changes in brain structure, function, and connectivity mark adolescence as a period of opportunity to discover new vistas, to form relationships with peers and adults, and to explore one's developing identity. It is also a period of resilience that can ameliorate childhood setbacks and set the stage for a thriving trajectory over the life course. Because adolescents comprise nearly one-fourth of the entire U.S. population, the nation needs policies and practices that will better leverage these developmental opportunities to harness the promise of adolescence-rather than focusing myopically on containing its risks. This report examines the neurobiological and socio-behavioral science of adolescent development and outlines how this knowledge can be applied, both to promote adolescent well-being, resilience, and development, and to rectify structural barriers and inequalities in opportunity, enabling all adolescents to flourish. Table of Contents Front Matter Summary Part I: Adolescence as a Period of Opportunity 1 Introduction 2 Adolescent Development 3 How Environment "Gets Under the Skin": The Continuous Interplay Between Biology and Environment 4 Inequity and Adolescence Part II: Using Developmental Knowledge to Assure Opportunity for All Youth 5 Introduction 6 Education 7 Health System 8 Child Welfare System 9 Justice System 10 The Scientific Opportunity References Appendix A: Assessing the Evidence Appendix B: Youth Engagement Appendix C: Biosketches ofCommittee Members and Staff Board on Children, Youth, and Families