“I QUIT” - said every 13-year-old ever.
The first year in the teenage sequence can be challenging because of school work and navigating friendships. This new environment comes with major social and emotional changes, even brain changes.
They Can’t Help It: It’s Their Brain
The prefrontal cortex is a section of the brain that weighs outcomes, forms judgments and controls impulses and emotions while communicating with the other sections of the brain through connections.
Scientists found that in teens, the prefrontal cortex, that vital center of control of the brain, is a little immature compared to adults, and it may not fully develop until your mid-20s. This area of the brain is used for risk assessment, safety, and ultimately decision making. Because the prefrontal cortex is somewhat shut off during the teenage years, it can help explain some stereotypical teenage behavior.
As kids become teenagers, their priorities change, including how they decide to spend their time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that young teens tend to “focus on themselves… going back and forth between high expectations and lack of confidence.” If their friends are walking away from sports, they may be more inclined to.
Reward Positive Behavior
Studies show that when teens receive a medium or large reward, they exhibit exaggerated positive responses to medium and large rewards compared to children and adults.
Greg Silva, President of Black Belt Schools International, says he’s experienced with this behavior, after teaching thousands of children. Seventy percent of kids quit organized sports at 13. Generally, retention for young teens in karate is a lot higher, and this may have to do with the fact that there are medium to large rewards in the form of belt rank advancements. Additionally, many schools, like East Mesa Karate, offer Jr. Instructor Training for young teens, giving them the opportunity for a great job at 16.
But this is where martial arts students have an advantage, Silva says, because they are built inside and out. On the outside they gain skills, self defense, speed, strength, flexibility and great coordination. Inside is the big advantage. Learning to set and achieve goals, build confidence, self-esteem, ability to block out distractions, perseverance, courage, sportsmanship and commitment.
East Mesa Karate Can Help Your Teen
If you have a teen or pre-teen, learn more about our martial arts philosophies. Visit our school or call us today at 480-986-7177 for more information.