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 ContentsFront MatterSummaryPart I: Adolescence as a Period of Opportunity1 Introduction2 Adolescent Development3 How Environment "Gets Under the Skin": The Continuous Interplay Between Biology and Environment4 Inequity and AdolescencePart II: Using Developmental Knowledge to Assure Opportunity for All Youth5 Introduction6 Education7 Health System8 Child Welfare System9 Justice System10 The Scientific OpportunityReferencesAppendix A: Assessing the EvidenceAppendix B: Youth EngagementAppendix C: Biosketches ofCommittee Members and StaffBoard on Children, Youth, and Families