more classic cartoon characters with edge like Bugs Bunny, Garfield, and the Simpsons. Most
girls have outgrown animation long before thirteen, and many boys have outgrown most
cartoons by now as well. Sports figures and actors are popular. Media preferences are based
on the entertainment itself, on the performers involved, and on the content as a reflection
of what the adolescent wants, needs, and values. Girls, more than boys, tend to appreciate
and hold onto things like teddy bears that they have otherwise outgrown, but most toys have
been left behind. Comic books start to lose their appeal. Fast food is still definitely in.
Thirteen-year-olds continue to take part in sports and play games.
Age Fourteen
Fourteen-year-olds want and expect everything; they take criticism badly. They’re largely
critical of both parents and feel that neither parent understands, but they might listen a little
better to their dad. Girls already look like women. Boys can have their greatest spurt of
growth at this age, and they may suddenly develop a deep voice. An overwhelming major-
ity of fourteen-year-olds use alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes. Some fourteen-year-olds find work,
but money remains a problem. This is an age of great energy. Both girls and boys might be
involved in sports, after-school activities, and various groups. At this point most of the brain
is fully developed, but many fourteen-year-olds are still not fully able to appreciate another
person’s perspective, to be completely empathic, or to love unconditionally. Fourteen-year-
olds may get along better with people outside the family group than those within, but friend-
ships are constantly dissolving and being reformed. Boy-girl relationships come and go.
Age Fifteen
The early adolescent years end around age fifteen. There is a continuing drive to become
independent, testing the limits of accepted behavior. Quite a few fifteen-year-olds are
unhappy. They might rebel against authority. Even good kids may experiment with graffiti
and stay out past curfew. Many are sexually active. This age is less energetic, less outwardly
emotional and expressive, more reflective and thoughtful. Fifteen-year-olds find it hard to
adapt. Friends are still very important. The right hemisphere of the midbrain, which focuses
on nonlinear and nonlogical thinking, has been developing from about age four and is pretty
much complete by now.
Age Sixteen
Sixteen is a more balanced age because late adolescence begins. Most sixteen-year-olds are
more self-sufficient. They could have a part-time job with increased responsibility. They’re
capable of making the right choices on their own, but like adults they don’t always do this.
Of course, they still have less experience in making choices. They are more interested and
friendly toward others and more sensitive toward others’ feelings as well. They think of the
future. They daydream. They’re more creative and develop deeper interests. By sixteen, most
hormonal changes have taken place. Because sixteen-year-olds might have their first driver’s
54 Animation Writing and Development