Hormonal change, lack of sleep and ongoing changes in the brain have to be taken into account when assessing teenage behaviour, those attending the BA Festival of Science's family day in the RDS heard yesterday.
Hormones, though frequently blamed for teenage misbehaviour, are actually getting a "bad press", science author Vivienne Parry told her audience. In fact, teenagers are moody because of changes which are taking place in their brain.
She said such is the extent of the reorganisation of their brains which teenagers go through that they should perhaps be allowed to wear a sign saying, "Brain Under Reconstruction".
Similarly, the ideal time for teenagers to sleep is between 2am and lunchtime.
The fact that they are forced to go to school early in the morning means their hormones are "completely out of synch".
"If teenagers don't get enough sleep they can have problems with attention. But this is because they are jet-lagged... Teenagers need to get more sleep!" ...
Ms Parry, author of the book The Truth About Hormones, was speaking at one of several events which formed part of the science family day at the RDS yesterday.This was attended by several hundred parents, young adults and children.
Earlier, on the lawn in front of the RDS concert hall, they also witnessed a series of tricks - including the "singing rod" - performed by a science magician. The audience was then encouraged to figure out the science behind the tricks.
Other activities at yesterday afternoon's event included a marine science "pirate party", a "robot challenge" for seven to 15-year-olds organised by the National College of Ireland, and free face painting.
Ms Parry and scientists from the RDS were also available to talk about their work.