27 Nov 2025

Parenting: What's going on in the teen brain?

From Nine To Noon, 11:25 am on 27 November 2025
The brains of teenage boys have a mind of their own.

The brains of teenage boys have a mind of their own. Photo: Tony Gabbusch

In parenting today, when puberty hits and suddenly you don't recognise your own child.

Clinical Psychologist Kathryn Berkett says adolescence is the most intense period of brain development since early childhood.

She says the teenage years are like an essential software update - which can help explain moody, reckless and avoidant behaviour.

Her new book is called What's Going On In There: The Neuroscience of the Adolescent Brain. Text in your questions for Kathryn - 2101 or email us ninetonoon@rnz.co.nz