“Our lab has confirmed that during adolescence, the brain goes through a unique developmental period, expressing profound strengths and weaknesses that set teens apart. Adolescents are at once more susceptible to negative influences, such as the pressure to use drugs, and positive drives, such as the tendency to join movements for social change. The adolescent brain is thirsty for exploration, learning and social relationships, and simply has circuitry with greater sensitivity in centres for emotion, memory and motivation than the brains of younger children or adults.”