Fact Sheet 5

Adolescence
This stage of development is also known as the teenage years. During this time, your teen is
developing his unique personality and opinions. Relationships with friends are still important, yet
your teen will have other interests as he develops a more clear sense of who he is. This is also an
important time to prepare for more independence and responsibility; many teenagers start
working, and many will be leaving home soon after high school, (CDC, 2015). Children go
through puberty. Girls breast grows, they have their time of the month (menstruation), become
sexually active. Boys facial hair starts to grow, voice changes and they become sexually active.
Physical growth is controlled by two vital hormones released by the pituitary gland and thyroid
stimulating hormone, (Berk, 2013, pg.221) .
Adolescence are very aware of who they are. They are more concern about body image,
looks, and clothes. They focus on themselves; going back and forth between high expectations
and lack of confidence. They experience more moodiness( CDC, 2015),(Sad, depression and
excitement ).

They are very sensitive to their changing body and often measure their physical
appearance and skills against idealized images. Begins to show concern for their body as rapid
changes occur; shyness, blushing, modesty, and the need for privacy,( KG Investments,19992015).This is the stage in which they start staying in their rooms rather than with other family
members.
By the age of 15, they become very interested in sex. They have increased concerns
about their own sexual attractiveness with a movement towards heterosexuality and some have
concerns about attraction to same sex. Tenderness is shown toward the opposite sex with
frequently changing relationships. Sexuality is a major preoccupation for the middle adolescent,
(KG Investments, 1999-2015).

Most teens this age still feel invincible and that nothing bad could possibly happen to
them. This will cause them to engage in high risk behaviors. Experimentation with alcohol,
cigarettes, marijuana, and sexual intercourse increases sharply during this stage,( KG
Investments,1999-2015).
Adolescence is a troubling time, with the many physical, emotional, psychological and
social changes that accompany this stage of life. Watch out for teen depression; Some signs of
depression are, displaying a lack of energy, Feeling tired most of the time, Anxiety, lowering
self-esteem and suicidal thoughts. A general rule of thumb for recognizing teenage depression is
that five or more symptoms will persist without break for more than two weeks,( Teen Suicide
Prevention,2005).If you see any sign or are worried seek help with a doctor ,talk to
teachers/school counselors .

Berk, L. E. (2013).Child development. (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson