The Teen Brain (School Resource Officer Video Series)

Unlike traditional law enforcement officials, School Resource Officers (SROs) work almost exclusively with young people, so it is crucial they understand how students think and make decisions. But that is no easy task. Teenagers have been baffling and frustrating adults for generations, leaving many to wonder what exactly is going on inside of their brain. Why are teens so impulsive, and why do they seem to take unnecessary risks, make bad decisions, and change personalities from one interaction to the next? The answer is more complicated than raging hormones.

In this video, learn how the teen brain works, tips for building trusted relationships with students, the do’s and don’ts of interacting with teens in real-world situations, and why your success as an SRO depends on understanding what is going on inside of a teen’s changing brain. You can turn on English or Spanish subtitles as you watch.

You can also download a poster with the key points: SRO Poster – The Teen Brain

Series description

School Resource Officers (SROs) are present in many communities across the country. SROs must be youth advocates, educators, and protectors of all students in the schools they serve. This video series helps SROs consider the way students think, how to connect with them, how to break down barriers to communication, and how to become a successful presence in their school.

The SRO video series is produced in partnership with Katherine Schweit, JD at Schweit Consulting and Rocket Media Group.

Series Playlist