What they’re like: High school students continue to develop their ability to think abstractly. They can handle complex problems, engage in higher-order thinking, and consider multiple perspectives. Their moral reasoning becomes more sophisticated. They begin to develop a personal code of ethics and are more capable of understanding and debating moral and ethical dilemmas.

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KEY: Although their cognitive abilities are advanced, their decision-making can still be influenced by emotions and peer pressure. The prefrontal cortex, which governs decision-making and impulse control, is still maturing, which can lead to risk-taking behavior. This makes apps like Snapchat, with disappearing content, difficult for some teens to manage.

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Friendships become deeper and more meaningful, often based on shared interests and values rather than convenience. Peer influence remains strong, but high school students also begin to place more value on individualism and authenticity. Learning to cope with stress, disappointment, and other challenges is a crucial part of this stage.

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