Teenage students are undergoing rapid and at times seemingly uneven development. This makes for a time of great opportunity, and also potentially significant stress. While much of the brain structure has already developed, this stage of adolescence sees further growth and reorganization of the prefrontal cortex. This part of the brain is associated with reasoning, impulse control, and decision-making. While this development allows for greater perspective taking and consideration of others, it is also associated with greater emotional reactivity and risk taking. As students’ social identities mature, their relationship circle expands to include their peers as well. With this can come a fear of social rejection and social isolation, and a heightened susceptibility to peer influence and social comparisons. As a result, some students at this age struggle with anxiety about academics, body image, and other pressures. Other issues such as social anxiety, self-esteem, and self-worth can become very impactful for teenagers.
Adolescence is also a particularly important time for identity formation. A central part of identity formation is how we relate to ourselves and how we view ourselves: our self-concept. SEE Learning® engages students in activities that help them to treat themselves with kindness, understanding, and compassion. The learning experiences in Chapter 6 help teenagers become aware of their limitations but also aware of their capabilities and the fact that we are always growing and changing. Despite the challenges students face, students at this age have greater resources for caring for themselves and others than at any time before in their lives. It is therefore an especially opportune time to explore empathy, forgiveness, compassion, and self-compassion with them.