Neuroscience and the Young Brain

"If the environment is changing, the brain will change � and the environment is changing"

Crossbench peer Baroness Susan Greenfield gave this stark warning in a speech to the 2020 Conservatives group, headed by Greg Barker MP.

She spoke alongside 2020 group members Andrea Leadsom MP, James Morris MP, and Damian Hinds MP who chaired the session.

Best known for her work on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, Baroness Greenfield discussed the importance of neuroscience in understanding early brain development, and the huge task ahead in tackling the growing number of cases of mental ill health. Empathy and compassion were common themes running through the event, as 2020 members discussed how the government can look towards improving mental health outcomes and creating a more cohesive and happy society.

In giving what she described as the quickest neuroscience course ever known, Baroness Greenfield demonstrated just how crucial brain development is in relation to a person's (by definition) unique identity. She described how the 'booming, buzzing confusion of the world' in our early months means we rely on how hot, how sweet, or how soft something feels. But gradually our brains move from the abstract into associations, where we begin to give meaning to who we recognise as 'mum.'

These connections "enable you to personalise objects and people, understand the world, and be able to think symbolically. These are hugely powerful aspects of the human mind."

So, in a world where computers and televisions arguably render the need for human interaction and the attainment of knowledge less important, Baroness Greenfield expressed her concern about a generation spending more time than ever in front of screens and simulated realities.

"If you're spending thirty plus hours a week in front of a TV, that's thirty plus hours you're not spending climbing a tree, or giving someone a hug, not feeling the sun on your face, not learning to empathise with someone else."

Baroness Greenfield fears that we are 'sleepwalking into these very powerful technologies, rather than harnessing them, and they are becoming an ends, not a means.'

Listing social networking, gaming and search engines, Susan called for a neuroscience take on the mind for educators, health practitioners and others to recognise how impactful this new technological environment is on the brain.

Note: 2020 Discussions follow Chatham House rules. The views expressed in this post are those of individual 2020 members and not the group as a collective, the Conservative Party or the Government.