The Power of the Adolescent Brain: A TAG Talk

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Adolescent Health, in collaboration with the Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs and Penn Translational Neuroscience Center Co-Director Dr. Frances Jensen developed a video and two discussion guides about research on adolescent brain development, functioning, and capacity.

This video, The Power of the Adolescent Brain: A TAG Talk uses research to shine a light on adolescent brain development. Motivated by her personal experience of parenting two teenage boys, and drawing on clinical experience and research, neurologist Dr. Jensen shares what researchers have discovered about adolescent brain development, functioning, and capacity and provides practical suggestions for practitioners and families with adolescents.

The video can be viewed in one full-length format as well as broken out into six segments (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) for viewing individually or as a group. Two accompanying discussion guides — one for professionals (PDF, 2 pages) and one for families (PDF, 2 pages) — can be used in a variety of settings, including staff meetings, conference sessions, or trainings, and instructions for preparation and facilitation are provided. Dr. Jensen's biography, transcripts, additional resources, and a list of technical terms are also provided.