Decision Making & Awareness Strategies

Day 2
How does the brain influence decision-making and emotions?

• In charge of decision-making and planning

• Still developing

Prefrontal Cortex

What makes the teen brain unique?

Multiple Choice

What is the Prefrontal Cortex in charge of?

• Regulating heart rate and blood pressure
• Processing visual information
• Controlling motor functions
• Decision making, and impulse control.

• Where our emotions originate

• Often takes over, especially in stressful situations

Amygdala

What makes the teen brain unique?

Multiple Choice

What does the Amygdala do?

• The amygdala regulates heart rate and blood pressure.
• The amygdala is responsible for visual processing.
• The amygdala controls motor functions and coordination.
• The amygdala processes emotions and is involved in emotional memory.

• The brain's reward system craves new experiences and takes more risks

• The brain is still in the process of building strong connections

What makes the teen brain unique?

Multiple Choice

At what age does the brain fully develop?

• 18 years old
• 30 years old
• 25 years old
• 21 years old

• Stress or Anger: They amygdala takes charge, leading to quick emotional reactions

• Peer Pressure: The reward system makes social approval feel extra important

• Quick Decisions: Without a fully developed prefrontal cortex, teens are more likely to make fast decisions

Why do I sometimes react without thinking?

Poll

Which do you struggle with the most?

• Stress/Anger

• Peer Pressure

• Quick Decisions

• Pause and Reflect: Give your prefrontal cortex time to catch up

• Recognize Triggers: Notice when emotions like stress or anger are influencing you

• Plan Ahead: Practice decision-making to strengthen brain connections

• Think Long-Term: Ask: "How will this affect me tomorrow?"

What awareness strategies can I use?

Poll

Which do you think could help you in your daily life?

• Pause and Reflect

• Recognize Triggers

• Plan Ahead

• Think Long-Term

Olivia is at a Friday night football game, and the energy in the stands is electric. During halftime, her friends suggest sneaking onto the field to film a TikTok that they swear will “blow up.” They’re already planning the caption and talking about how many likes it could get. “It’s no big deal,” one of them says, nudging her. “Everyone does stuff like this—it’s just for fun.” A few people pull out their phones, waiting to see what she’ll do.

Scenario 1

Multiple Select

Which challenge is Olivia facing?

• Stress/Anger

• Peer Pressure

• Quick Decisions

Poll

Which Awareness Strategy should they try?

• Pause and Reflect

• Recognize Triggers

• Plan Ahead

• Think Long-Term

Donovan spent hours working on a video project for class, carefully editing and adding creative touches. When he got his grade, it was lower than he expected, with feedback that felt petty and unfair. He can’t stop replaying the teacher’s comments in his head—they make him feel like all his hard work was for nothing. Angry and frustrated, he grabs his phone, ready to post a rant about how unreasonable the teacher is.

Scenario 2

Multiple Select

Which challenge is Donovan facing?

• Stress/Anger

• Peer Pressure

• Quick Decisions

Poll

Which Awareness Strategy should they try?

• Pause and Reflect

• Recognize Triggers

• Plan Ahead

• Think Long-Term

It’s the night before a major test, and Shaylee knows her grade depends on doing well. She has set aside time to study, but suddenly, her phone goes off with messages from her group chat. “We’re all hopping online tonight!” someone texts, sharing memes and plans for a gaming marathon. Another friend chimes in, “C’mon, you’ll have plenty of time to study later.” As more notifications roll in, she feels torn between responsibility and missing out on the game session.

Scenario 3

Multiple Choice

Which challenge is Shaylee facing?

• Stress/Anger

• Peer Pressure

• Quick Decisions

Poll

Which Awareness Strategy should they try?

• Pause and Reflect

• Recognize Triggers

• Plan Ahead

• Think Long-Term

Jay is hanging out at the skate park, watching their friends try new tricks. The tallest ramp looms in the distance, and someone suddenly dares Jay to take it on. “You’ve got this!” they shout. Another friend starts recording on their phone, saying, “This is going to go viral!” Jay can feel everyone’s eyes as they cheer and clap. The ramp looks intimidating, but they don't want to seem scared or back out.

Scenario 4

Multiple Choice

Which challenge is Jay facing?

• Stress/Anger

• Peer Pressure

• Quick Decisions

Poll

Which Awareness Strategy should they try?

• Pause and Reflect

• Recognize Triggers

• Plan Ahead

• Think Long-Term

It’s the day of your big sports tournament, and Merritt is already running late. As she rushes to get ready, she realizes her uniform isn’t where she thought it would be. Her parents keep shouting for her to hurry, making her feel more stressed. She frantically tears through her room. As the clock ticks, she starts thinking it might be easier to skip the whole thing and stay home.

Scenario 5

Multiple Choice

Which challenge is Merritt facing?

• Stress/Anger

• Peer Pressure

• Quick Decisions

Poll

Which Awareness Strategy should they try?

• Pause and Reflect

• Recognize Triggers

• Plan Ahead

• Think Long-Term