The inside story of adolescence today
IN 2000 the BBC embarked on a groundbreaking project to follow the lives of 25 babies from across the UK. At 16, these children of our time are almost fully grown. They are now free to live by themselves, marry, pay taxes and even have children of their own.
In the first of two programmes Professor Robert Winston and Professor Tanya Byron discover how our teenagers’ changing brains mean that their activities and influences – from thrill-seeking and first love to peer groups and teenage tribes – can shape their lives forever.
Drawing on new research in human biology and neuroscience, we reveal how the most baffling aspects of teenage life can be explained by the latest understanding of the changing teenage brain. The brains of our 16-year-olds are wired to be more self-conscious and mentally creative, and to feel more intense pleasure, than at any other time in their lives.
In the second episode Robert and Tanya follow our teens through their GCSE year to see how they are being shaped by these unique times.
In a bold experiment they give us access to their digital lives – providing a 24/7 window into their phone use. Tanya explores the impact of sociable multi-tasking on concentration, social skills and risk-taking in the real world.
Through intimate stories, compelling archive and experiments, Child Of Our Time brings you a unique perspective on today’s 16-year-olds.