The Brain is Not Mature at the Age of Adolescence, a Psychologist Reveals the Fatal Risk Behind Child Marriage

JAKARTA - Child marriage is still a major challenge in Indonesia. Not only about legal status, child and adolescent psychologist Mariska Johana, M.Psi., Psychologist, emphasizes that biologically and psychologically, individuals under the age of 20 are not designed to bear household responsibilities.

There is a fundamental reason why early marriage is strongly discouraged: The mismatch between life demands and the stage of human development. The Secret Behind the "Half-Mature" Brain Neurologically, the main reason why teenagers tend to be impulsive lies in the development of their brains.

The area of the brain responsible for long-term planning, emotional control, and risk-taking (the prefrontal cortex) is not fully mature.

"This brain area only fully matures in the mid-twenties," said Mariska as quoted by ANTARA.

As a result, children and adolescents are more vulnerable: Making impulsive decisions based on momentary feelings. It is difficult to manage conflicts in a healthy way. Fail to understand the long-term consequences of a major commitment.

Mental Risks: From Depression to Violence

Marriage requires tremendous mental readiness. When a child is "forced" to enter the adult world, the pressure that arises often leads to serious mental health disorders.

The worst impact of this unpreparedness is the high risk of unhealthy relationships, which often leads to Domestic Violence (DV).

The Role of the Family: Not a "Quick Solution"

Mariska also highlighted that early marriage is often considered a "shortcut" by parents to mature their children or solve economic problems. The lack of a safe discussion space at home makes children seek recognition and security outside the family through marriage.

"In some cultures, marriage is still considered a symbol of adulthood. In fact, literacy regarding reproductive health and emotional development is crucial for parents," he added.