Teen Development Summary As a teenager, you go through many physical, mental, emotional, and social changes. The biggest change is puberty, the process of becoming sexually mature. It usually happens between ages 10 and 14 for girls and ages 12 and 16 for boys. As your body changes, you may have questions about sexual health. During this time, you start to develop your own unique personality and opinions. Some changes that you might notice include Increased independence from your parents More concerns about body image and clothes More influence from peers Greater ability to sense right and wrong All of these changes can sometimes seem overwhelming. Some sadness or moodiness can be normal. But feeling very sad, hopeless, or worthless could be warning signs of a mental health problem. If you need help, talk to your parents, school counselor, or health care provider. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Related Issues 5 Ways to Promote a Positive Body Image for Kids Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Communication and Your 13-to 18-Year-Old Nemours Foundation Risky Business: Dealing with Your Teen’s Behavior National Institutes of Health Talking to Your Doctor Nemours Foundation Understanding Your Teen’s Emotional Health American Academy of Family Physicians What Is a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician? American Academy of Pediatrics Array Adolescent development Specifics Am I in a Healthy Relationship? Nemours Foundation Body Image and Self-Esteem Nemours Foundation Body Odor Children’s Hospital Boston Can I Make My Breasts Larger? Nemours Foundation Gynecomastia Nemours Foundation I’ve Never Had My Period, So What Is This Discharge? Nemours Foundation Is My Penis Normal? Nemours Foundation Puberty and Precocious Puberty National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Removing Pubic Hair (For Young Men) Children’s Hospital Boston Removing Pubic Hair (For Young Women) Children’s Hospital Boston Sexual Attraction and Orientation Nemours Foundation Sexual Orientation (For Parents) Nemours Foundation What’s the Right Weight for My Height? Nemours Foundation Why Are My Breasts Different Sizes? Nemours Foundation Why Are My Breasts Sore? Nemours Foundation Why Is My Voice Changing? Nemours Foundation Find an Expert American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry KidsHealth Nemours Foundation National Institute of Child Health and Human Development National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Reference Desk Female Reproductive System Nemours Foundation Male Reproductive System Nemours Foundation Start Here Growth and Your 13-to 18-Year-Old Nemours Foundation Stages of Adolescence American Academy of Pediatrics Teenagers (15-17 years of age) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Young Teens (12-14 years of age) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Teenagers Help! Is This My Body? Nemours Foundation Journal Articles Teen Development Latest News New Guidelines Issued on Breast, Genital Plastic Surgery for Teen Girls HealthDay
