What part of the brain develops last and how does that impact teenagers?

The prefrontal cortex is the last part of the brain to develop, typically maturing in the mid-20s. This area is responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and assessing risks. As a result, teenagers often exhibit heightened impulsivity and risk-taking behavior, as their prefrontal cortex is still developing while emotional and reward centers in the brain are more active. This developmental lag can lead to challenges in judgment and self-regulation during adolescence.