This chapter explores adolescence, the stage of rapid growth and development between childhood and adulthood, typically occurring between the ages of about 10 and 19, during which the body prepares for adulthood. After describing how living things grow and mature before they can reproduce, it lists the visible physical changes of these years: a marked increase in height; gains in weight and strength with broadening shoulders in boys and development of breasts in girls; deepening of the voice as the voice box grows (forming the Adam's apple in boys); the appearance of acne and pimples due to increased oily secretions; and growth of hair in the armpits, pubic region, and (in boys) on the face. Changes that distinguish males from females but are not directly involved in reproduction are called secondary sexual characteristics, and they mark the onset of puberty — the stage in which the body becomes capable of reproduction. An important internal change in girls is the menstrual cycle, recurring roughly every 28 to 30 days, with the bleeding phase called menstruation; the chapter stresses that it is a natural process and breaks common myths and taboos. Adolescence also brings emotional and behavioural changes such as mood swings and stronger emotions. The chapter gives practical guidance for a healthy, joyful adolescence: a balanced and nutritious diet, good personal and menstrual hygiene, regular physical activity, a balanced and respectful social life (including safe and responsible use of social media), and firmly saying NO to addictive substances like tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. It closes by explaining that these changes are mainly controlled by chemicals called hormones, produced in the body and released in response to signals from the brain.
Physical changes during adolescenceSecondary sexual characteristics and pubertyMenstrual cycle and hygieneEmotional, behavioural, and social changesNutrition, healthy habits, and hormones
Key terms
Adolescence
The stage of rapid growth and development between childhood and adulthood, generally between about 10 and 19 years of age.
Puberty
The stage in which the body undergoes external and internal changes to develop into an adult capable of reproduction.
Secondary sexual characteristics
Features that help distinguish males from females but are not directly involved in reproduction, such as facial hair or development of breasts.
Menstrual cycle
The natural cycle in girls that recurs about every 28 to 30 days; the bleeding phase is called menstruation.
Hormones
Chemicals produced in the body and released in response to brain signals that control growth, development, and many adolescent changes.
Substance abuse
The harmful and addictive habit of regularly consuming substances such as tobacco, alcohol, or drugs.
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Adolescence generally occurs between which ages?
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