Question

At what age do girls typically begin adolescence compared to boys?

Options

• Boys typically begin adolescence earlier than girls

• Girls typically begin adolescence earlier than boys

• Both begin at exactly the same age

• The timing is unpredictable and varies without pattern

Answer 1

For most girls, adolescence starts earlier than for boys. While adolescence is typically defined as occurring between ages 10–19 years, girls often enter this phase around ages 10–11, whereas boys may begin around ages 12–13. This earlier onset in girls is due to biological factors, including the earlier release of hormones such as oestrogen. However, the experience and timeline of adolescence vary significantly among individuals regardless of sex.