The teenage brain: How you and your child can understand the changes they're going through

Part ofParenting

As a parent, finding out that your child’s brain is 'rewiring' can be both unnerving and a source of relief.

Once you start to understand the science behind the teenage brain, everything becomes a lot less personal. Unexpected outbursts start to make sense, and behaviours that might spark an intractable argument can dissipate when you realise that your child just can’t help how they're reacting!

To find out more - this collection of articles and films from our colleagues at BBC Bitesize Study Support has teens talking about impulsive behaviour, emotional regulation, tiredness, why they can’t stop scrolling and why they argue with you, and other family members.

You can read more from BBC Bitesize Study Support here.

And you can check out Parents' Toolkit's - A Parents' Guide to Teenagers here.

My Teenage Brain: Why do I argue with my family?

Ever wondered why you might argue with your family more since becoming a teenager? You can learn more about family conflicts and gaining independence as a teen here!

My Teenage Brain: Why do I argue with my family?

My Teenage Brain: Why am I so tired?

Feeling tired and you don't know why? Learn about why teenagers have a different sleeping pattern to others and get some advice on how to get better sleep.

My Teenage Brain: Why am I so tired?

My Teenage Brain: Why am I so emotional?

Do you ever feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster? Learn about why your feelings might feel so intense and some top tips about helping manage your emotions.

My Teenage Brain: Why am I so emotional?

My Teenage Brain: Why can't I stop scrolling?

For some top tips on breaking your scrolling habit!

My Teenage Brain: Why can't I stop scrolling?
Horizontal purple bar

If you are concerned about your teenager and want more advice - BBC Action Line can direct you to organisations that may be able to help.

Horizontal purple bar

More from BBC Bitesize Parents' Toolkit…

Bitesize Parenting

Fun activities, real-life stories, wellbeing support and loads of helpful advice - we're here for you and your child.

Bitesize Parenting

Five things to consider when buying your child their first mobile phone

Whether they're starting secondary school, or at primary school - at some point parents will almost inevitably have to consider buying their child a mobile phone. Here are some tips and expert advice on what to consider.

Five things to consider when buying your child their first mobile phone

The anxieties of young adulthood - 15 to 18

Anjula Mutanda offers advice for supporting teens into adulthood, while Bez recalls what son Arlo was like at that age. From our series - A Parents' Guide to Teenagers

The anxieties of young adulthood - 15 to 18

Teenagers - a good night's sleep

Anjula Mutanda talks about the struggle of helping teenagers get a good night sleep with conversation with Bez and son Arlo

Teenagers - a good night's sleep

How can I talk to my kids about their emotions? - The Super Tutors

Natalie Costa, aka 'The Child Whisperer', explains how you can talk to your child about their feelings and help them manage their emotions.

How can I talk to my kids about their emotions? - The Super Tutors