The teenage years are an intense and critical time for moral development. A teenager is finding his or her own identity by discovering who he or she is and changing into an adult. Although teens may want a lot of independence and freedom at this age, they still needs guidance. To help teens develop morally, it is important to understand how their brains work and know how to foster good moral behavior.
Moral Reasoning
Although a common teenage stereotype involves rebellion, Kids Health states most teenagers are not rebellious. At this age, a teenager is trying to think rationally and become more independent. She is interested in what is right and is forming her morals and conscience. Medline Plus states she may question old values during her teen years, which can cause her to try different points of view.
Dangers
A teenager still thinks in an abstract way and can be more impulsive than an adult. This can affect his moral development, especially if he experiences the indestructible feelings common with teenagers. For example, rather than slow down and obey the speed limit, he might feel as though no consequences will result from him speeding up. At this age, his impulsiveness can prevent him from making decisions based on moral responsibility.
Relationships
The relationships your teenager has are very important for her moral development. PBS.org states teens who have close relationships with their parents don’t experiment with risky behaviors as much as other teens. A teenager most likely finds her peer group very important at this age and may seek the approval of her friends. She is more likely to misread emotions or get into accidents or fights.
Brain Development
According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the brain of a teenager continues to develop all the way into adulthood. The amygdala, the section of the brain that controls instincts, develops first. The frontal cortex, which is responsible for reasoning and determines how we act, develops later and continues to develop into adulthood. Because of this, a teenager is guided less by the frontal cortex and may not have a full understanding of moral behavior.
Encouraging Development
To encourage moral development in your teenager, give him space to make some decisions himself. It may be more difficult for him to act morally, but it is still possible with guidance from parents, teachers and other role models. Talk to him about the dangers of sex, alcohol, drugs and cigarettes before he is exposed to the temptations, and make sure he is aware of your rules and expectations.
