Adolescence is a stage of life with unique requirements and rights in terms of growth and health. Additionally, this is a time for knowledge and skill development, relationship management, and other traits and skills that are necessary for enjoying adolescence and fulfilling adult tasks.
1. Physical changes
Every society recognizes the distinction between being a child and becoming an adult. The definition and recognition of the transition from childhood to adulthood varies between cultures and over time.Adolescence can be defined by age. However, it is simply one feature that distinguishes this stage of growth. Age is frequently more appropriate for analyzing and comparing biological changes (for example, puberty), which are fairly universal, than social transitions, which vary more with the socio-cultural context.
Adolescence is one of the most rapid stages of human growth. Although the order of many of the changes appears to be universal, their timing and rate of change differ among and even within individuals. These changes are influenced by both an individual’s features (e.g., sex) and external influences (e.g., poor nutrition, an abusive environment).
1.1.Key physical changes in girls
Breast development will begin. The beginning of puberty is indicated by this first outward symptom. The left and right breasts typically develop at different rates. As the breasts grow, they frequently become a little sensitive. A soft crop top or sports bra can be a suitable initial option if your youngster wishes to wear a bra.
A growth surge happens. Some regions of the body, such as the head, face, and hands, may grow quicker than the limbs and torso. For a while, your child may appear out of proportion. Girls often grow 5-20 cm per year. They normally finish growing at the age of 16-17.The body’s shape will change. A girl’s hips, for example, will broaden.External genitals (vulva) and pubic hair will begin to grow. Pubic hair will darken and thicken with time.Hair will begin to grow under the arms.Several months before periods begin, a clear or white discharge from the vagina begins. If the discharge disturbs your child, recommend that he or she use a panty liner.Periodsnormally begin within two years following the start of breast growth, but this can take up to four years.
By the age of 16, about 10% of girls in low- and middle-income nations become mothers, with the greatest rates in Sub-Saharan Africa and south-central and south-eastern Asia.The proportion of women who become pregnant before the age of 15 varies greatly even within areas; for example, in Sub-Saharan Africa, Rwanda has a rate of 0.3% while Mozambique has a rate of 12.2%.
Many pregnant girls are forced to drop out of school. This has long-term consequences for them as individuals, families, and communities. Delaying adolescent births has been demonstrated in studies to considerably slow population growth rates, potentially producing broad economic and social advantages as well as improving adolescent health.
1.2.Key physical changes in boys
At the age of 11-12 ,external genitals (penis, testes, and scrotum) will begin to develop. It is typical for one testis to grow more quickly than the other. You can comfort your child that men’s testes are not typically the same size.The pubic hair will begin to grow. It will darken and thicken with time.Your boy will have a growth surge. Around 12-14 Years old your child will grow taller and have a wider chest and shoulders. Some regions of your child’s body, such as their head, face, and hands, may develop more quickly than their limbs and torso. Because of this, your infant can first appear out of proportion. Boys grow 10-30 cm on average. They often stop developing at the age of 18-20 years.Your child’s body will begin to develop hair on the rest of it, including the face, under the arms, and the remainder of the body. Arm and leg hair will become thicker. Some young males continue to develop additional body hair well into their 20s.The hormone testosterone is created, and it prompts the sperm production in the testes.Your child may begin ejaculating (releasing sperm) and getting erections. Erections frequently occur during this time for no apparent reason. Simply explain to your child that this is normal and that most people won’t notice. It’s common to refer to ejaculation while sleeping as a “wet dream.”The larynx (also known as the ‘Adam’s apple’ or voice box) will grow more visible. The larynx of your child will grow larger, and their voice will ‘break,’ finally becoming deeper. Even within a single sentence, some males’ voices shift from high to low and back again. This will come to an end in due course.
2. Neurodevelopment changes
The adolescent years are also a time of significant brain development. While these changes are connected to hormonal changes, they are not always necessary for them. There are changes happening in the parts of the brain that process emotions, regulate sleep, and process pleasure and rewards, such as the limbic system. The pre-frontal cortex, which controls executive processes like as decision-making, planning, organizing, and impulse control, is also undergoing alterations at the same time.
3. Behavioral and social changes
The psychological, emotional, and intellectual growth that is occurring is linked to the neurodevelopmental changes that are occurring. Adolescents improve their capacity for abstract thought and rational judgment during the course of the second decade. They also strengthen their capacity for moral and logical reasoning. The external and internal changes that occur during adolescence have an impact on one another. The changing duties, responsibilities, connections, and expectations of this stage of life are only a few examples of these external influences, which vary amongst cultures and societies.
There are 1.2 billion adolescents in the world, or about 1 in 6 individuals, who are between the ages of 10 and 19. Although the majority are in good health, there are still a lot of deaths, illnesses, and diseases among teenagers. Diseases might prevent people from reaching their full potential in terms of growth and development. Alcohol or tobacco use, inactivity, unprotected sex, and/or exposure to violence can all compromise a person’s health, not only now but frequently for years to come. Promoting healthy habits during adolescence and adopting precautions to better shield children from health dangers are essential for preventing health issues in maturity and for the future social and health infrastructure of nations.
Building life skills in children and adolescents, as well as providing psychosocial assistance in schools and other community settings, can aid in the promotion of healthy mental health. Programs that help teenagers and their families build their bonds are also crucial. If problems emerge, they must be identified and addressed by skilled and caring health professionals.
Sources
- 1. https://www.who.int/health-topics/adolescent-health#tab=tab_1
- 2. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Masumeh-Saeidi/publication/296679707_15-dr_Taghizadeh/links/56d81f2908aee1aa5f7886cf/15-dr-Taghizadeh.pdf