THE BRAIN & BEHAVIOR
True or False: The brain is fully developed by age 18.
False (It develops into the mid-20s)
What is empathy?
This word means understanding how someone else might feel.
This type of stress is temporary and helps with performance — like before games or tests.
Acute stress
If you’re getting heated in a text argument, what’s the safest move?
Pause before replying
What is one sign you need a break from social media?
Feeling drained, comparing yourself, or getting annoyed.
What part of your brain triggers your fight-flight-freeze alarm.
The amygdala
What is a red flag in a relationship?
A warning sign like disrespect, controlling behavior, guilt-tripping, or isolation.
What is self-awareness?
This word means checking in with yourself before things get overwhelming.
Name one healthy way to cool off after an argument.
Any: walk, pause, breathe, space, music, water.
What is doomscrolling?
Continuously scrolling even when it increases stress.
What area helps with planning, self-control, and decision making.
The prefrontal cortex
What is sympathy?
A feeling of pity or sense of compassion
Mental health struggles are common. About how many teens experience them?
About 1 in 3 (or more).
What is one sign you might need for a mental break?
Irritability, zoning out, headaches, crying easily, or feeling drained.
How can social media impact sleep?
Blue light and overstimulation make it harder to fall asleep.
What system controls memory, learning, and can be affected by stress?
The hippocampus
What is a ‘boundary’?
A healthy limit you set about what is OK and not OK for you.
What is the difference between antisocial and asocial?
Antisocial = harmful or rule-breaking behaviors; Asocial = preferring alone time or low social interaction.
What is a grounding technique?
A tool that brings you back to the present — like 5-4-3-2-1 sensory grounding.
What does “curating your feed” mean?
Choosing accounts that support your wellbeing.
What is an amygdala hijack?
When your emotions take over before your thinking brain can respond, this “brain hijack” happens.
What is emotional invalidation?
When someone’s feelings are dismissed, minimized, or ignored even if unintentionally.
What is bipolar disorder and how long does an episode last?
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder with extreme “highs” (mania) and “lows” (depression). Manic episodes usually last at least 1 week, and depressive episodes usually last about 2 weeks or more. Regular mood swings are NOT bipolar; bipolar episodes are much longer and more intense.
What is a coping skill? Give an example.
Something that helps you handle stress (e.g., journaling, exercise, and talking to someone).
What is “parasocial connection” and how can it affect you?
Feeling emotionally close to influencers/creators who don’t actually know you; can impact self-esteem, expectations, and reality.