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Teen Brain

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Teen Brain

By: David Gillespie
Narrated by: David Gillespie
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About this listen

With their labile and rapidly developing brains, adolescents are particularly susceptible to addiction, and addiction leads to anxiety and depression.

What few parents will know is that what we think of as the most typical addictions and problematic teen behaviours - smoking, drinking, drug taking, sex leading to teenage pregnancy - are on the decline.

The bad news is that a whole raft of addictions has taken their place. Whereas once the dopamine-hungry brain of a teenager got its fix from smoking a joint or sculling a Bundy and coke, it is now turning to electronic devices for the pleasure jolt that typically comes from online playing games and engaging with social media.

What is doubly troubling is that, unlike drugs, alcohol and cigarettes, electronic devices are not illicit. Quite the contrary.

They are liberally distributed by schools and parents, with few restrictions placed on their use.

And, to add fuel to the fire, emerging research shows that if addictive pathways are activated during the teen years, they are there for life, and that what starts as a screen addiction can lead to major substance abuse later in life.

©2019 David Gillespie (P)2019 Macmillan Australia Audio Parenting & Families Relationships Teenagers Substance abuse Mental Health Health Smoking Tobacco Human Brain Parenting Teens
All stars
Most relevant  
This book is relevant to every parent, and anyone who wants kids to grow up ok.
Smart phones and online games have a downside, clearly. This explained exactly why.
I also liked how it explains how the brain works, and what goes on in the brain during the teen years.
The author also has some quite funny ways of explaining some points too, which helps one remember the points.
So glad their was no internet device in my pocket when I was a teen...

Serious and exceptional

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This book should be part of every school education system from Teachers to Students as a Certificate 4 through to a Doctorate.
It also should be repeated at the pre-natal classes and post delivery of any child coming into the world.
This also should be government funded to have available in every state and main metro area. It should be free and accessible.

Compulsory or mandatory - YOU CHOOSE!

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Ideal for every parent and educator. So practical & applicable to raising children today. I think the title is wrong - it covers 0 to 99 years with commonsense, backed by data. I hope every principal makes their staff & parents read it. We COULD have happy, well adjusted families & communities. Well done & thank you David Gillespie.

Best parenting book ever

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Likening school principals to drug pushers is a slight exaggeration. Given the tendency of the author to occasionally stray beyond the facts, if you are looking for some understanding of neurological and hence behavioural changes in adolescence and the impact of devices on adolescent wellbeing then this is for you.

A good read but...

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Some fascinating information about the developing brain, impacts of hormonal change and technology. A little too preachy in parts, though. Would've like more focus on facts & less self-indulgent 'my way or the highway' finger wagging.

Interesting but opinionated

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Easy listening, hard hitting and linked to science. A must read/hear for all parents... Practical advice with some nice touches of humour.

I wish I had heard/read this 5 years ago!!

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Great format, easy to liisten to and very informative. I'll be looking for his other books.

All parents should read this!

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This book completely and succinctly puts together exactly what you need to know in a easy to understand format. This provided me with a definite understanding and appreciation of my teenagers current experience, many thanks for the research.

Highly recommended

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Very informative, eye opening , interesting & thought evoking regarding todays teens. Especially with regard to causes of addiction

Great idea informative read

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David Gillespie has his argument down pat for the jury, but overlooks some vital details - the jurors are a discerning lot and he’s made some howlingly arrogant assumptions.
I was ok with some of it, but his personal opinions get in the way and his determination to sell his point gets boring.
Don’t quit your day job Dave.

Except for the bits about..

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.