Chapter – 6 – Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Development
• The journey of life of a human can be divided into different stages—infancy, childhood,
adolescence, adulthood, and old age.
• Each person experiences these stages at their own pace, and the duration of each stage may vary
from one individual to another.
• Until 10–12 years of age, most changes are related to height and weight.
• Adolescence is a period of rapid growth and development, typically occurring between the ages of
10–19 years.
• During adolescence, the body prepares for adulthood.
• It is the stage of development between childhood and adulthood.
• Adolescence is not just about physical changes or changes associated with reproductive capability
but also about emotional and behavioural changes
Common observable changes:
• Changes in body structure, weight gain, and strength
➢ Boys: taller, weight gain, broader shoulders, wider chests.
➢ Girls: height, weight, development of breasts.
• Increase in height
➢ Height increase is more prominent during adolescence.
• Changes in voice
➢ Boys: voice box grows, voice sounds hoarse, Adam’s apple appears.
➢ Girls: voice box grows slightly, minor changes in voice.
• The voice box is a structure in our throat that helps us to speak.
• The growth may be seen as a bump in the throat region and is called the Adam’s apple.
• Changes in facial skin: Pimples/Acne
➢ Acne occurs due to an increase in oily secretions from the skin during adolescence that can clog
the skin pores and lead to infections.
• Appearance of hair in different parts of the body
➢ Boys and girls: hair in armpits and pubic region.
➢ Boys: facial hair (moustache, beard), chest/back hair.
• The timing, nature, and extent of changes vary among individuals and these variations are normal.
Secondary Sexual Characteristics
• Features like change in voice, facial hair, chest hair in boys, and breast development in girls.
• These changes are not directly involved in the process reproduction but distinguish males from
females. They are called secondary sexual characteristics.
• These characteristics are natural signs that the body is preparing for adulthood and they mark the onset of
puberty.
• Puberty is the stage in which the body of an adolescent undergoes external and internal changes to develop
into an adult capable of reproduction.
Changes Indicating Reproductive Capability
• Adolescence also includes internal changes.
• An important internal change associated with adolescent girls is the onset of the menstrual cycle. It
recurs generally every 28–30 days and is more commonly known as ‘the period’.
• Occurs every 28–30 days (range: 21–35 days).
• The phase of the cycle when blood discharge occurs from the body is referred to as menstruation. It
may last for three to seven days.
• Some girls may feel pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen during these days
• Ends naturally by age 45–55 years (end of reproductive capability - menopause).
Breaking myths about menstruation:
• Wrong beliefs cause fear, shame, guilt.
• Isolation of menstruating girls is still common.
• Menstruation is a natural process; myths have no scientific basis.
• Promoting scientific outlook improves reproductive health of women.
Emotional and Behavioural Changes
• Adolescence is marked by stronger emotions than childhood.
• Emotional changes may include:
➢ Mood swings.
➢ Strong emotions.
➢ Increased sensitivity.
• Effects: influence behaviour, creativity, involvement in social work.
• Adolescents may join initiatives to help others, develop new interests.
• Understanding emotions helps make better choices and responses.
Making Adolescence a Joyful Experience
(a) Meeting Nutritional Needs
• Adolescents need proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
• Proper diet = good growth, strength, energy.
• Adolescents, especially girls, may sometimes suffer from blood-related health problem because of a
deficiency of iron or vitamin B12 in the body.
(b) Personal Hygiene
• Important to maintain body hygiene, especially in armpits and pubic region.
• For girls, menstrual hygiene is crucial.
• Menstrual hygiene can be maintained using items such as sanitary pads and reusable cloth pads
designed for this purpose.
• It is important to dispose of used sanitary pads properly by wrapping them in newspaper and disposing
inside a dustbin.
• Government schemes support menstrual hygiene
➢ Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS)
➢ Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK)
➢ Suvidha Sanitary Napkin Initiative
➢ State-Level Initiatives: Shuchi Scheme’ in Karnataka and free sanitary napkin schemes in states
like Tamil Nadu and Odisha.
(c) Physical Activities
• Regular exercise and sports are essential.
• Keep body and mind fit, build stamina, boost mood.
(d) Balanced Social Life
• Be polite and respectful in society.
• Adolescents may feel peer attraction and mimic behaviour.
• Use social media responsibly.
• Avoid cyberbullying and unsafe online behaviour.
(e) Avoiding Harmful Substances
• Adolescents may get tempted to use tobacco, gutka, cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs.
• These substances are harmful, to physical and mental health but are also addictive ,consuming them,
they develop a strong urge to take them again .This is called substance abuse.
• Using these substances can cause serious health problems, such as breathing difficulties, memory loss,
and damage to the lungs
• It is important to confidently say “NO”.
• Seek help from parents, teachers, counselling, and medical advice if needed.
• Government campaign: Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and Helpline 14446.
Why Do These Changes Occur?
• Changes (menstruation and other signs of puberty) that take place in the body during adolescence are
primarily controlled by certain chemicals produced in the body. These chemicals are called hormones.
• Hormones regulate growth, development, mood, and behaviour.
• They are produced in different body parts and released as per brain signals.
▪ Proper guidance and awareness help adolescents manage physical, emotional, and behavioural changes
effectively.
