Adolescence is the period of transition between childhood and adulthood. It includes some big changes—to the body, and to the way a young person relates to the world. Understanding what to expect at different stages can promote healthy development throughout adolescence and into early adulthood.

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child defines a child as an individual aged 0–18 years and, in time, the UN has come to formally define adolescence as the period between 10 and 19 years of age.

Researchers suggest adolescence undergo three primary developmental stages of adolescence and young adulthood –early adolescence, middle adolescence, and late adolescence/young adulthood.

Adolescence is the period of transition between childhood and adulthood. Children who are entering adolescence are going through many changes (physical, intellectual, personality and social developmental). Adolescence begins at puberty, which now occurs earlier, on average, than in the past.

The teenage years can be an emotional assault course for all concerned. One of the reasons many of us find it so hard is because it is a time of rapid physical development and deep emotional changes. These are exciting, but can also be confusing and uncomfortable for child and parent alike.

Sometimes couples who fall in love in high school develop committed relationships that last. Many relationships don’t last, though. But it’s not because teens aren’t capable of deep loving.

Main health issues

• Injuries. Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death and disability among adolescents.
• Violence.
• Mental health.
• Alcohol and drug use.
• Tobacco use.
• HIV/AIDS.
• Other infectious diseases.
• Early pregnancy and childbirth.

Adolescence is a time for growth spurts and puberty changes. An adolescent may grow several inches in several months followed by a period of very slow growth, then have another growth spurt. Changes with puberty (sexual maturation) may happen gradually or several signs may become visible at the same time.

Typical teen behavior: “It’s normal for teens to get moody, frustrated, and irritable from time to time,” explained Dr. Vinay Saranga, a child and adolescent psychiatrist in Apex, North Carolina. “Adolescence is a period of transition and teens have to work through new emotions, thoughts, and feelings.

During puberty, it’s normal to experience the following changes:

• Growing taller. You’ll get taller, and this might happen quite quickly.
• Breasts and hips get bigger. Your breasts and hips get bigger.
• Hair grows on your body.
• Periods start.
• Vaginal discharge begins.
• Spots and sweat appear.
• Feelings go up and down.

Adolescence is a period of life with specific health and developmental needs and rights. It is also a time to develop knowledge and skills, learn to manage emotions and relationships, and acquire attributes and abilities that will be important for enjoying the adolescent years and assuming adult roles.

Adolescence is a critical link between childhood and adulthood, characterized by significant physical, psychological, and social transitions. These transitions carry new risks but also present opportunities to positively influence the immediate and future health of young people.

Most teens experience more stress when they perceive a situation as dangerous, difficult, or painful and they do not have the resources to cope. Some sources of stress for teens include: School demands and frustrations. Negative thoughts or feelings about themselves.

The five leading characteristics of adolescence are biological growth and development, an undefined status, increased decision making, increased pressures, and the search for self.

Puberty is the time in which a child’s sexual and physical characteristics mature. It occurs due to hormone changes. Adolescence is the period between puberty and adulthood.

Independent, Emotional and Rebellious Although not all teenagers become rebellious, many do become more resistant to authority, often having a major impact on family dynamics and personal relationships.

The average age for girls to begin puberty is 11, while for boys the average age is 12. But it’s different for everyone, so don’t worry if your child reaches puberty before or after their friends. It’s completely normal for puberty to begin at any point from the ages of 8 to 14.

During adrenarche, the adrenal glands, which sit on the kidneys, begin to churn out weak “male” hormones. That, in turn, can cause kids to develop some pubic hair, underarm hair and body odor. Those adrenal-related changes can happen in the absence of “true” puberty, Kohn explained.

age 11

No, it’s not true. Touching or massaging breasts does not make them grow. In reality, genes and hormones determine breast growth. Some girls develop earlier, others later, and a girl’s breasts can keep growing and changing into her late teens.

“As soon as the breasts start growing breast buds, small (sometimes very tender) bumps below the nipples, is typically when girls start wearing training bras,” said Dr. Kronborg. “Normally, by the time a girl can fill a B cup is when she’ll eventually require a standard bra.”

Underwire bras are chosen especially for teenagers with fuller breasts. They are also suitable for older teens. An underwire bra is a bra that has a thin U-shaped wired material sewn inside the fabric and each cup of the bras. The wired material is usually metal or plastic.