Concept of Adolescence

• Hormones are chemicals that play a big role in human growth and how our reproductive system works.
• All living things make new individuals so their species can continue.
• Humans (and many animals) can only reproduce after they “grow up” (become mature).

• Adolescence is the period of rapid development that occurs between childhood and adulthood.
• It is a time for the body and mind to get ready for adulthood.
• The word “adolescence” originates from the Latin word "adolescere," meaning “to grow into maturity.”
• Adolescents are individuals who are no longer children but not yet adults.
• Adolescence is usually from 10 to 19 years of age.
• It often begins around age 12, but the experience is not the same for everyone.
• For most girls, adolescence starts earlier than for boys.

According to India’s National Youth Policy (13-19 years), three stages:

Early (10–14 years)

• Many new body changes and fast growth appear.
• Thinking is more about real things and the present moment.
• Kids become curious about their bodies and friends.

Middle (15–17 years)

• Most changes are complete; thinking becomes more abstract.
• Re-think your body image and become romantically attracted to peers.
• Friend groups become more important.

Late (18–19 years)

• Full physical maturity, stable relationships.
• Adult thinking and responsibilities begin.

• Puberty is the time when a child’s body starts to change and they become able to have children — boys start making sperm and girls start releasing eggs.
• Girls usually start puberty around age 12 (first sign: breasts start to grow) and boys around age 13 (first sign: testicles get bigger).
• These changes happen because of special body chemicals called hormones — testosterone in boys and oestrogen in girls — which are controlled by another hormone called FSH from the brain.

Changes in Boys and Girls:

• From ages 10–11, children suddenly start growing faster.
• This growth happens because of increased hormones during this time.

Major changes:

1. Increase in height:

• Bones in arms and legs get longer; weight also increases.
• Girls start growing faster, but both reach their max height by the end of their teenage years.

2. Change in body shape:

• Boys: longer bones, more muscles, broader shoulders, narrower hips.
• Girls: curvier body, broader hips, bigger hip bones.

3. Change in voice:

• Boys: voice box grows (Adam's apple forms); voice becomes deep and rough.
• Girls: voice box is smaller, voice is high-pitched.

4. More sweat/oil:

• Glands in the skin work more, leading to more sweat, oil, and pimples.

• Strong feelings and mood swings are common.
• Teens want to find their own identity and independence.
• Peer groups (friends) become very important: they can be both helpful and risky.
• May experience stress, anxiety, and sometimes risky behaviours.

• Adolescence begins with secondary sexual changes, ends when the body stops growing.
• Not just about the body—also about the mind and social skills.
• It is a bridge between childhood and adulthood, preparing people to be independent and mature.

• Adolescence is the stage between childhood and adulthood (ages 10–19), marked by fast physical and emotional changes.
• It has three stages: Early (10–14), Middle (15–17), and Late (18–19), each with different body and thinking developments.
• Puberty brings sexual and physical changes due to hormones—testosterone in boys and oestrogen in girls.
• Physical changes include growth in height, changes in body shape, changes in voice, and increased sweat/oil production.
• Emotional and social changes include mood swings, seeking independence, peer pressure, and identity formation.

Adolescence is the period between the beginning of sexual maturation and entry into adult life.