Do you know a teen who just can’t seem to slow down? Maybe they blurt out answers in class, make impulsive decisions without thinking, or jump into risky situations without considering the consequences?
If these kinds of behaviors are chronic and getting in the way of success at school—or at home—there’s a good chance the teen is struggling with a lagging executive functioning skill called response inhibition.
The good news?
All executive skills can be strengthened with time, patience, and consistency.
As an academic coach I work with anxious high school students to help them achieve their academic goals by building the executive functioning skills they need to manage stress, stay organized, and reach their full potential. Let’s dive into response inhibition—what it is, why it matters so much, and how you can support teens as they develop this vital skill.
What Is Response Inhibition?
Richard Guare and Peg Dawson define response inhibition as:
“The capacity to think before you act—to resist the urge to do or say something before you’ve had a chance to evaluate the situation and the possible consequences.”
In other words, response inhibition acts like a built-in risk management system, helping us weigh the pros and cons of each decision.
For students who struggle in this area, life can feel like a series of impulsive choices—sometimes with dangerous or painful results.
It’s no wonder this particular skill causes so much anxiety for parents. As teens get older and spend more time out in the world, it becomes harder for adults to step in and protect them.
For teachers, strong response inhibition is crucial in the classroom to maintain respectful conversations, minimize disruptions, and keep lessons flowing smoothly.
How Response Inhibition Develops
Response inhibition begins developing in infancy, when babies start choosing whether or not to react to new experiences, people, or objects.
As toddlers grow and develop language, they start learning internal rules—like “don’t touch the stove”—which help them inhibit impulsive reactions.
This skill continues growing through childhood, but in adolescence, something interesting happens:
Peer influence and gut instincts start to take over.
Even teens with good foundational skills may make risky choices when they’re with friends, wanting to go along with the group without thinking through the consequences. It’s part of normal brain development—but it can still be incredibly frustrating and concerning for the adults in their lives.
5 Tactics for Supporting Response Inhibition in Teens
Helping teens develop better impulse control isn’t about “fixing” them—it’s about teaching skills and building trust over time. Here are five practical ways to help:
1. Set Clear Expectations Before Social Situations
When teens are with friends, their impulse control naturally weakens.
Be proactive: set clear expectations ahead of time.
- Specify boundaries and consequences.
- Know where they’re going, who they’ll be with, and when they’re expected home.
- Create a communication plan for when plans change.
- Stay connected with other trusted adults nearby.
2. Expect Fun to Win Over Responsibility (at First)
Teens are wired to choose pleasure over hard work—it’s not personal!
Rather than getting frustrated, acknowledge their developmental stage.
Explain your concerns clearly and calmly. Work together to find a balanced approach between fun and responsibility.
3. Practice Delayed Gratification
The ability to wait is critical for impulse control.
Use simple strategies like “First-Then” schedules:
- “First complete three pomodoro sessions of English homework, then you can play your video game for 45 minutes.”
Building small waiting periods into everyday routines teaches teens patience and persistence.
4. Create Earning Opportunities
Help teens learn the value of effort by connecting it to rewards.
- Maybe they save up for part of a car—or contribute to their own insurance payments.
- Avoid giving everything immediately. Make earning a natural part of the process.
It’s a powerful way to connect choices and effort to long-term rewards.
5. Regularly Review Rules and Expectations
Don’t assume your teen will remember expectations on their own.
Review them often—and together.
Frame the conversation as coming from a place of care and concern, not control.
Open communication builds trust and keeps everyone on the same page.
The Big Picture
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for improving response inhibition—or any executive skill.
It takes ongoing conversation, flexibility, and active listening.
Some days will be smoother than others. That’s okay.
Every step your teen takes toward better self-regulation is a step toward greater independence and success.
If you found this post helpful, I’d love for you to check out my other resources on building executive skills—and reach out if you’re looking for more personalized support for the teenager in your life. Together, we can create a supportive learning environment where teens can slow down, think through their choices, and thrive. 🌟