Navigating the Changes of Adolescence

Written by Dr Rob Thomson

PhD · Brainwave Trust Researcher/Kaiako

Adolescence is an important transition to adulthood, marked by identity development, growing independence, and major brain changes. It brings opportunity and growth, but also risk in an increasingly complex world.

Even as they spend more time with their peers, trusted adults remain crucial to their development and well-being. Positive adult relationships provide support, guidance, and skills that build resilience and help them navigate the changes of adolescence.

Adolescence is the transition from childhood to adulthood with intense growth and change. There are major physical, emotional, cognitive, and social changes as young people develop their identity and independence. As they get older, more is expected of taiohi, they begin to take on adult responsibilities such as driving or employment and are increasingly held accountable for their actions.¹ Most taiohi do well, but need trusted adults to provide support, guidance and to teach them skills they need to navigate their world.

This article begins by exploring key areas of change during adolescence such as identity, emotional and social development, sensation seeking, and sleep. It then describes the neuroscience of adolescent brain development underlying these changes. Finally, the implications of these changes are considered, including what adults can do to support adolescents through this period.

This important period brings opportunities for new skills and growing independence, but also new challenges as taiohi explore the world beyond their whānau.² Most adolescents navigate this stage successfully, with a youth survey indicating that most taiohi in Aotearoa have strong friendships, feel safe and loved in their whānau, can express their identity, and feel connected to their culture.³

Although the process of adolescence is similar, each person’s own development is unique; influenced by genetics, personality, experiences, and environment.⁴ There are also individual differences in the age of the onset of puberty, and how long puberty lasts.⁵ For neurodiverse youth or those affected by adversity, the developmental changes of adolescence may present additional complexities. Recognising these differences helps adults better understand and support youth as they navigate this life stage.