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Adolescence Facts & Worksheets

Adolescence is a time of transition and growth from childhood to adulthood, starting around 10 or 11 and lasting until the early 20s. It is marked by physical, cognitive, and emotional changes.

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Adolescence is the period of growth and development between childhood and adulthood, commonly beginning at puberty and ending with the onset of adulthood.

See the fact file below for more information on Adolescence, or you can download our 29-page Adolescence worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

WHAT IS ADOLESCENCE?

  • The interval between childhood and adulthood is known as adolescence. Ages 10 to 19 make up the transitional period between childhood and maturity. It is a distinct period in human development and crucial for setting the groundwork for long-term health.
  • The body and brain of a child entering adolescence undergo several changes. These involve developing their own moral compass as well as physical, intellectual, psychological, and social problems. The changes happen quickly and frequently at various speeds. The teenage years may be both an exciting and difficult time in life. 

PHYSICAL CHANGES – GIRLS

  • Girls go through a series of events during puberty. However, they frequently go through puberty changes before boys their age.
  • The emergence of breast buds in girls marks the beginning of puberty.
  • The breast and nipple become slightly elevated, forming these tiny lumps beneath them. They also continue to have growing breasts.
  • Most females experience their first period two to three years following the development of breast buds; however, the timing might vary. Girls typically start their periods around twelve.
  • The majority of girls experience their development spurt earlier than boys. Girls typically grow at their highest pace in height between the time that their breast buds begin to form and around six months before their period. 
  • A girl’s growth already begins to slow down after her first period. After starting their periods, most girls gain an additional 1 to 2 inches in height, but growth over that point is less typical.

PHYSICAL CHANGES – BOYS

  • The scrotum expands during the first stages of male puberty. They might notice some reddening and a change in the scrotal skin texture. Additionally, pubic hair can begin to grow. 
  • The penis lengthens but has a lower rise in width than the scrotum. Most males have their first ejaculation about a year after their penis begins to develop more. 
  • The upper lip’s corners are where facial hair first grows.
  • From there, it spreads to the upper cheeks, below the bottom lip, across the top lip, and lastly to the chin and cheekbones.
  • At this time, underarm hair also grows. Their sweat and oil glands begin to develop along with the growth of their underarm hair, and when these glands become clogged, acne will develop.
  • Washing their face two times a day will help them avoid breakouts. As they enter puberty more fully, they begin to grow rapidly, with the peak happening during the final phases of sexual development. 
  • During this growth spurt, the body’s proportions shift because the trunk grows quickly and the legs develop quickly.

MENTAL HEALTH

  • The crucial period of adolescence is when social and emotional behaviors are essential for mental health development. Their mental health is impacted by learning coping, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, as well as adopting healthy sleep and exercise habits.
  • Adolescents with mental illnesses frequently act out or use drugs, which raises their chance of engaging in risky sexual behavior that could lead to pregnancy or STDs.
  • The task of weighing the potential risks of fatal injury with the potential hazards of inadequate treatment is particularly difficult when treating pregnant teenagers who use psychopharmacologic medications.
  • The fourth most common cause of mortality for older adolescents is suicide. There are many different risk factors for suicide, such as drinking too much alcohol, being abused as a child, being stigmatized for asking for help, having difficulty getting care, and having access to means of suicide. 
  • Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are two eating disorders that frequently develop during adolescence and early adulthood. An eating disorder is characterized by aberrant eating habits and obsession with food, which are frequently accompanied by worries about one’s appearance and weight.

CHALLENGES OF PUBERTY

  • The majority of a child’s time is spent with their family when they are young. As they start school, their social circle grows. 
  • By the time they are adolescents, their networks may include people from team sports, student organizations, occupations, and other activities. 
  • Adolescents spend less time with their families as their social networks grow and can instead concentrate more on their friends. 
  • Young people also acquire a better potential to forge stronger bonds with adults outside their homes who might serve as mentors.
  • The common theme in teen friendships is a shared interest in learning. Close, personal, and self-disclosing interactions with friends, particularly for girls, aid the exploration of identities and the definition of one’s sense of self. 
  • Teenagers can discuss their sexuality and how they feel about it through conversations with these crucial connections.
  • Developmental challenges during adolescence include attempting to restrain aggressive and sexual drives. Finding potential or real romantic partnerships also takes place. 
  • Impulsive conduct, a variety of experimental encounters of mutual exploring, and eventually sexual contact are all possible sexual activities during adolescence. 
  • Males and females have distinctive expectations of romantic and sexual relationships due to biological differences as well as disparities in how they interact in society.

RESPONDING TO ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH

  • Adolescent mental health promotion and prevention programs attempt to improve a person’s ability to control their emotions, promote healthier alternatives to risky behaviors, foster resilience for dealing with adversity, and support helpful networks and social environments.
  • In order to effectively reach teenagers, especially the most vulnerable ones, these programs call for effective strategies using a variety of delivery platforms, such as digital media, health or social care settings, schools, or the community. By encouraging connection and a sense of support, families and schools can improve children’s mental health.
  • Connection to one’s family, friends, and school is regarded as a safeguard against bullying, substance use, and poor mental health in children and teenagers. 
  • Positive health outcomes related to substance use, violence, and mental health are less likely to occur in children and adolescents who feel connected at home and school.
  • By providing opportunities for social connection through active transportation options like walking, biking, and public transportation, communities can support adolescent mental health.
  • One of the most crucial protective elements for kids and teenagers is parental support. Every day, parents and other adults responsible for children can take measures to improve their relationships with them and learn how to see the symptoms that a child may be experiencing bullying or mental health issues.

Adolescence Worksheets

This is a fantastic bundle that includes everything you need to know about Adolescence across 29 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use worksheets that are perfect for teaching students about Adolescence, a period of exploration, identity formation, and independence that starts around the ages of 10 or 11 and lasts until the early 20s, during which young people experience significant physical, cognitive, and emotional changes as they transition from childhood to adulthood.

Adolescence Worksheets
Adolescence Worksheets
Adolescence Worksheets

Complete List Of Included Worksheets

  • Adolescence Facts
  • Stages of Human Life
  • Teen Impressions
  • Mainstream Teens
  • Her Changes
  • His Changes
  • From then On…
  • Adolescent Priorities
  • Challenges We Face
  • Good and Bad Influences
  • Marked in History
  • Modern Teens

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the definition of adolescence?

Adolescence is a developmental stage that typically begins around 10 or 11 and lasts until the early 20s. During this time, young people undergo significant physical, cognitive, and emotional changes as they transition from childhood to adulthood.

What are some physical changes during adolescence?

During adolescence, the body undergoes several physical changes as it matures. This can include growth spurts, changes in body shape and composition, and the onset of puberty. Boys will typically experience a deepening of their voice, the growth of facial and body hair, and the beginning of sperm production, while girls will typically experience the onset of menstruation, the development of breasts, and the onset of ovulation.

What are some cognitive changes during adolescence?

During adolescence, young people experience a number of cognitive changes as their brains continue to develop. They tend to become more abstract in their thinking, more able to think about multiple ideas at once, and more adept at problem-solving. They also tend to become more independent in their thinking and less influenced by their parents or other authority figures.

What are some emotional changes during adolescence?

During adolescence, young people often experience a range of intense emotions as they navigate their changing bodies and minds and the social and academic pressures of this time in their lives. They may feel moody, irritable, or self-conscious and may be more prone to feelings of anxiety or depression. However, they may also experience excitement, passion, and optimism as they explore their emerging identities and interests.

What are some challenges that adolescents face?

Adolescents face some challenges as they navigate this stage of their lives. These can include academic pressure, social and peer pressure, the development of romantic relationships, and the need to establish a sense of identity. They may also be more vulnerable to substance abuse, mental health issues, and risky behaviors such as unprotected sex or reckless driving. However, with support from parents, teachers, and other adults, adolescents can overcome these challenges and emerge from this stage of life as confident, capable, and resilient young adults.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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