[DanaC]

Originally Posted by Kizzy

How could anyone know that for certain?

There have been quite a few studies into this. The last part of the brain to develop fully is the pre-frontal cortex. This is the part of the brain which is responsible for the complex processing of information, ranging from making judgments, to controlling impulses, foreseeing consequences, and setting goals and plans.

It used to be thought that the brain was mature in adolescence. More recent studies have shown that it can take into the early 20s for this part of the brain to fully mature.

[Kizzy]

Originally Posted by DanaC

There have been quite a few studies into this. The last part of the brain to develop fully is the pre-frontal cortex. This is the part of the brain which is responsible for the complex processing of information, ranging from making judgments, to controlling impulses, foreseeing consequences, and setting goals and plans.

It used to be thought that the brain was mature in adolescence. More recent studies have shown that it can take into the early 20s for this part of the brain to fully mature.

Are there any links to these studies?
I have to say I feel this is a terrible suggestion, to say that nobody
under the age of 25 is capable of rational thought is rather sad.
There are young people who are more than capable of making excellent judgements, controlling their impulses and are forward thinking. Choosing A levels and career goals are plans and goals that all university students are fully focussed on,this flies in the face of these studies as far as I can see.