
Early Adolescence (Ages 10 to 13)
- During this stage, children often start to grow more quickly. ...
- These body changes can inspire curiosity and anxiety in some―especially if they do not know what to expect or what is normal. ...
- Early adolescents have concrete, black-and-white thinking. ...
- Pre-teens feel an increased need for privacy . ...
What age is considered as an early adolescent?
Understanding what to expect at different stages can promote healthy development throughout adolescence and into early adulthood. Early Adolescence (Ages 10 to 13) ... They usually start a year or two earlier in girls than boys, and it can be normal for some changes to start as early as age 8 for females and age 9 for males. Many girls may ...
Which years does early adolescence usually occur?
The age at which early adolescence occurs is a fairly broad approach, since most authors place it between 10 and 14 years, but others consider it between 11 and 15 years. Other authors differentiate the age ranges, depending on whether the adolescent is male or female.
When does adolescence actually start and end?
The phase of adolescence is known to kickstart when puberty begins and ends when adult identity and behavior are established. This development phase corresponds to the period between 10 and 19 years of age, which also goes in line with the World Health Organization’s definition of adolescence.
Does adolescence start earlier or later than puberty?
Puberty is a complex process, with major changes happening in an adolescent’s body over the course of several years. While most children go through this period around the same age, some start going through changes earlier or later than others do.

What is the meaning early adolescence?
While this transition is different for every child, early adolescence is usually defined as the period between 10 and 15 years of age. Early adolescence is the time between childhood and adolescence, while adolescence is the time between childhood and adulthood.
What is the example of early adolescence?
As they enter puberty, young teens undergo a great many physical changes, not only in size and shape, but in such things as the growth of pubic and underarm hair and increased body odor. For girls, changes include the development of breasts and the start of menstruation; for boys, the development of testes.
At what age is early adolescence begins?
The ages 11 through 14 years are often referred to as early adolescence. These years are an exciting time of many varied and rapid changes. Your child grows taller and stronger and also starts to feel and think in more mature ways. You may feel amazed as you watch your child begin to turn into an adult.
Why is early adolescence important?
This early period of adolescence is a largely unstudied phase of life, yet evidence suggests that this is an opportune time for communities to encourage the development of positive health and equitable gender norms early in life that can be transformative both immediately and over the life course [3], [4].
What are the 3 stages of adolescence?
Adolescence, these years from puberty to adulthood, may be roughly divided into three stages: earlyadolescence, generally ages eleven to fourteen; middleadolescence, ages fifteen to seventeen; and lateadolescence, ages eighteen to twenty-one.
What happens in the adolescence stage?
Adolescence is a time for growth spurts and puberty changes. An adolescent may grow several inches in several months followed by a period of very slow growth, then have another growth spurt. Changes with puberty (sexual maturation) may happen gradually or several signs may become visible at the same time.
What are the 5 stages of puberty?
Tanner stages summaryTanner stages in malesAge at the startNoticeable changesStage 2Around age 11Pubic hair starts to formStage 3Around age 13Voice begins to change or “crack”; muscles get largerStage 4Around age 14Acne may appear; armpit hair formsStage 5Around age 15Facial hair comes in1 more row
What are the 5 characteristics of adolescence?
Leading characteristics of adolescence are – increased decision-making, biological growth and development, search for self, increased pressures and an undefined status.
What age is considered late adolescence?
Late Adolescence (approximately 17-19 years)
What are problems of adolescence?
Violence during adolescence also increases the risks of injury, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, mental health problems, poor school performance and dropout, early pregnancy, reproductive health problems, and communicable and noncommunicable diseases.
What are the 5 characteristics of adolescence?
Leading characteristics of adolescence are – increased decision-making, biological growth and development, search for self, increased pressures and an undefined status.
What is the early childhood stage?
Early childhood (usually defined as birth to year 8) is a time of tremendous physical, cognitive, socio-emotional, and language development.
What age range is considered early adolescence and late adolescence?
There are three stages of adolescence, which include early adolescence (10 to 13 years), middle adolescence (14 to 17 years), and late adolescence/young adulthood (18 to 21 years and beyond).
What is early adulthood stage?
Developmental psychologists usually consider early adulthood to cover approximately age 20 to age 40 and middle adulthood approximately 40 to 65. Early adulthood. In early adulthood, an individual is concerned with developing the ability to share intimacy, seeking to form relationships and find intimate love.
What is the difference between adolescence and early adolescence?
While this transition is different for every child, early adolescence is usually defined as the period between 10 and 15 years of age. Early adolescence is the time between childhood and adolescence, while adolescence is the time between childhood and adulthood. With one foot in childhood and the other in adolescence, ...
What are the changes in an adolescent's life?
Changes take place in the early adolescent's physical size and strength, thinking and reasoning, feelings and emotions, and relationships with family and friends. When parents understand why early adolescents behave the way they do, they can more easily relax and keep a sense of humor during this critical time of transition for their child.
How do adolescents feel when they are alone?
Adults assume that early adolescents feel positive when they are alone in their rooms listening to music or simply daydreaming. However, when researchers have asked adolescents to describe their feelings when they are alone, the results show that they feel sad, overwhelmed, depressed and lonely. They may be alone but they are replaying many of the events of the day in their minds and being critical about how they acted and what they said. They may be reviewing over and over again what they said to the cute boy or girl who sits next to them in class. Or they may be trying to determine why a friend said a particular sentence or phrase to them. The more they worry about these events, the more depressed they become. They have not developed the thick skin that allows adults to dismiss trivial and less meaningful events in their lives.
Why do adolescents feel embarrassed?
Early adolescents experience intense and unstable feelings. At least in part because of changes in hormones, they bounce from being silly, happy and exuberant to withdrawn, grouchy and sad. They feel embarrassed very easily and are overly concerned with how they look.
When do boys start to grow?
For boys, the growth spurt typically starts at 11, peaks at 13 and is complete by 15. Although not often noticed or discussed, early adolescents even experience changes in the sizes and functions of their eyes! In terms of sexual maturation, early adolescents develop what are called secondary sex characteristics.
When do girls start to mature?
While girls begin to mature approximately a year earlier than boys, both experience two related types of physical change in early adolescence: a major growth spurt and sexual development. For girls, the growth spurt typically starts at 10 years of age, peaks at 11 and is complete by 15. For boys, the growth spurt typically starts at 11, ...
Is it normal for a child to have annoying behavior?
Your child's annoying or frustrating behaviors are normal and will pass because underneath the spiked hair, baggy pants or unusual jewelry is an individual who will blossom into a mature, caring adult
What are the stages of adolescence?
Stages of Adolescence. Adolescence is the period of transition between childhood and adulthood. It includes some big changes—to the body, and to the way a young person relates to the world. The many physical, sexual, cognitive, social, and emotional changes that happen during this time can bring anticipation and anxiety for both children ...
What age do children start to grow?
Early Adolescence (Ages 10 to 13) During this stage, children often start to grow more quickly. They also begin notice other body changes, including hair growth under the arms and near the genitals, breast development in females and enlargement of the testicles in males.
Why are preteens so self conscious?
As part of this, preteens and early teens are often self-conscious about their appearance and feel as though they are always being judged by their peers. Pre-teens feel an increased need for privacy . They may start to explore ways of being independent from their family.
How to help a child with puberty?
Learn about puberty and explain what's ahead. Reassure them that physical changes and emerging sexuality is part of normal, healthy development. Leave room for questions and allow children to ask them at their own pace. Talk to your pediatrician when needed!
How to help teens with risky behavior?
Be sure to set a positive example yourself. This can help teens consider or rehearse decision-making ahead of time and prepare for when situations arise.
What is the most common way teens explore sexuality?
Another typical way of exploring sex and sexuality for teens of all genders is self-stimulation, also called masturbation.
Why do middle schoolers have more arguments with their parents?
Many middle adolescents have more arguments with their parents as they struggle for more independence. They may spend less time with family and more time with friends. They are very concerned about their appearance, and peer pressure may peak at this age.
What is the most common type of adolescent behavior?
Psychosocial Development. Abstract reasoning and adolescent rebellion are typical types of adolescent behavior. Although these behaviors can create challenges for youth, their family, and other adults who work with them, they are a normal part of psychosocial development.
What are the health issues of adolescence?
Two extreme nutritional issues during adolescence are obesity and eating disorders, both of which can have negative physical and psychological effects on youth. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends that children and adolescents ages six to 17 years do 60 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily. ...
Why is sleep important for adolescents?
Getting enough sleep during adolescence is crucial for optimal physical and cognitive development. In general, adolescents need an average of nine hours of sleep every night to feel rested. This is also when adolescents’ internal clocks shift making them want to go to bed later and sleep in later in the morning. On top of this, increasing academic and social demands (e.g., constant availability of social media through smart phones) can cause teens to go to bed later and not be able to meet these demands. Combined, this can lead to sleep deprivation, which can result in lower grades, depressive symptoms, and difficulty with mood regulation. 5 The most dangerous consequence is car accidents due to drowsy driving, making driver safety an important youth topic. 6
What is the promise of adolescence?
The Promise of Adolescence: Realizing Opportunity for All Youth#N#(link is external )#N#This report examines the neurobiological and socio-behavioral science of adolescent development and outlines how this knowledge can be applied, both to promote adolescent well-being, resilience, and development, and to rectify structural barriers and inequalities in opportunity, enabling all adolescents to flourish. The report focuses on leveraging the developmental opportunities to harness the promise of adolescence—rather than focusing myopically on containing its risks. In addition to discussing adolescent development and the impact of inequality and injustice, accompanying resources#N#(link is external)#N#include a communication toolkit, commissioned papers, and a video series in English and Spanish with recommendations for the education, justice, child welfare, and health care systems.
What is the developmental transition to adulthood?
Adolescence is the developmental transition to adulthood that includes rapid changes in the brain and body, often at different rates and is a time for healthy exploration of identity and learning independence. It can also be a stressful or challenging for teens because of these rapid changes. Although every adult has gone through puberty ...
Why is it important to sleep during adolescence?
4. Getting enough sleep during adolescence is crucial for optimal physical and cognitive development.
How does civic engagement help young people?
Civic engagement has the potential to empower young adults, increase their self-determination, and give them the skills and self-confidence they need to enter the workforce. Read about one youth’s experience in AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC).
What is early adolescence?
Early adolescence is when the separation from childhood begins. As more fully described in my book about adolescence, Surviving Your Child's Adolescence, the opening stage of adolescence, Early Adolescence, can prove a hard adjustment for parents as they suddenly see their child change for the worse. The unwelcome transformation usually begins in ...
Why does the bad attitude start in early adolescence?
The birth of the "bad attitude" begins early adolescence because people do not change unless they are dissatisfied with who and how they are. And the early adolescent is developmentally dissatisfied. He doesn't want to be defined and treated as a child anymore.
How do parents help adolescents?
They have to remind and check and supervise, training the early adolescent to manage themselves in ways that work. This takes practice, and the more patient and persistent and consistent parents are, the sooner the new skills that are needed will be learned.
What does it mean when a dad says "it's like the wheels have come off the truck"?
As a Dad once poetically described it: "It's like the wheels have come off the truck." The child who used to be competent when it came to taking care of responsibilities and maintaining a consistent focus and direction seems to increasingly be out of effective self-control, veering all over the road of life.
What are the phases of a child's transformation?
Consider these phases one at a time. Phase One: Disorganization. What parents typically notice first is a diminished mental capacity in the child.
Can a boy leave childhood behind?
In most cases, the answer is "No." Leaving childhood behind, the girl or boy discovers that the old self- management system that used to work in that simpler, sheltered time is insufficient to cope with the more complex world of adolescence that has now begun.
What are the effects of alcohol and substance use on adolescents?
Adolescent alcohol and substance use have been associated with lower academic attainment, reduced school attendance, changes in affect and behaviours leading to impairments in relationships with family and friends. [footnote 1] [footnote 2] [footnote 3]
What is the transition period for children?
During this transition, children and young people may experience changes or be exposed to situations which may positively or negatively impact on their health and wellbeing.
How many people in England have had an adverse childhood experience?
Vulnerability and adverse childhood experiences increase the individual’s risk of health-harming behaviour. For every 100 adults in England, 48 have suffered at least one adverse childhood experience during their childhood and 9 have suffered 4 or more ( Bellis, and others 2014)
How many people have mental health problems in their teens?
The most recent data shows that one in seven 11 to 16 year olds have a diagnosable mental health disorder. [footnote 7] Data also shows that over half of all mental health problems are established by age 14 and 75% by age 24. [footnote 8]
Why is it important to support young people in their adulthood?
Appropriate and timely support for young people on their journey to adulthood is essential to ensure future health and wellbeing.
How long does it take for a child to transition from primary to secondary school?
There are major transition points between 10 to 14 years, including moving from primary to secondary school; this can also provide an opportunity to provide advice to support positive health choices and behaviour change.
What are the stages of adolescence?
The stages of adolescence include early adolescence from age 10 to 14, mid-adolescence from age 15 to 17, and late adolescence from age 18 to 24. Each stage encompasses different challenges for teens and necessitates different responses from parents.
What is the transitional period in adolescence?
What Is Adolescence? Adolescence can be a time of both disorientation and discovery. The transitional period can raise questions of independence and identity; as adolescents cultivate their sense of self, they may face difficult choices about academics, friendship, sexuality, gender identity, drugs, and alcohol.
How Do I Talk to My Teen?
Speaking openly with adolescents about changes that they are experiencing can be a challenge for any parent, especially given the shift in the parent-child relationship during this time.
How Does Mental Health Change During Adolescence?
Many of the mental health conditions people confront as adults begin to manifest in adolescence. In fact, one in five young adults has a diagnosable disorder, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
How long does puberty last?
Puberty begins between ages 9 and 15, and it lasts between a year and a half to three years. The hormonal and biological changes that occur can lead adolescents to feel anxious and self-conscious and to require more privacy and become preoccupied with their appearance, which can influence how they are perceived and accepted.
What is the egocentric perspective of teens?
Most teens have a relatively egocentric perspective on life; a state of mind that usually abates with age. They often focus on themselves and believe that everyone else—from a best friend to a distant crush—is focused on them too. They may grapple with insecurities and feelings of being judged.
Why do teens wake up later?
The biological clock shifts during puberty, prompting teens to become sleepy later and therefore wake up later to get the recommended 8 to 10 hours of sleep. This is why later middle and high school start times are associated with improved attendance and grades as well as a lower likelihood of experiencing depression.
What is early adolescence?
People often ask, “What is the age range for early adolescence? It is really more a stage than an age. It begins with the onset of puberty. All those hormones and the resultant physical, emotional, and social changes are what defines this stage of life. It ends when the changes are largely stabilised and a child has developed the capacity for greater judgement and rational thought processes.
What is the expression for early adolescence?
The expression, ‘Use it or lose it’ is apt at this time in life. The things early adolescents do over and over again become heavily imprinted, whereas those skills they don’t devote time to become more difficult.
How much sleep do adolescents need?
If you have a young adolescent, you may have noticed that their sleep patterns have changed. They still need about 9 hours of sleep, but they may be staying awake longer at night and then wanting to sleep in late in the morning. This is largely a consequence of biology.
What is the most intense period of adolescence?
Early adolescence is one of the most intense periods of learning and cognitive growth in a child’s life. Sometimes you can almost see their brains developing in front of you. Their ideas become less concrete and more abstract, meaning they can talk about ideas rather than focusing on things. They also become better at problem-solving and seeing things from different points of view. This is evident when they start to plan how and when to share news that might upset you, like mentioning a detention immediately after taking the rubbish out.
What is cognitive development?
With cognitive development comes identity formation. Early adolescents explore who they are and who they can be. They will often experiment with clothing, hairstyles, and behaviour. They also begin to question authority and society’s standards. You may hear your child being quite opinionated about social issues, which sports or bands he or she prefers, and what parental rules should be changed.
How many developmental stages are there in adolescence?
There are three primary developmental stages of adolescence:
What is the time in a young person's life when they transition from childhood into young adulthood?
Adolescence is the time in a young person’s life when they transition from childhood into young adulthood and experience physical, behavioral, cognitive, emotional, and social developmental changes.
What is the transitional period of a child?
Adolescence is the transitional period when a child begins to grow into a young adult and experiences many physical, behavioral, cognitive, emotional, and social developmental changes. There are three stages of adolescence, which include early adolescence (10 to 13 years), middle adolescence (14 to 17 years), and late adolescence/young adulthood (18 to 21 years and beyond).
What is the purpose of masturbation in teens?
Interest in romantic and sexual relationships may start and teens may question and explore their sexual identity; masturbation may be a part of this sexual exploration and getting to know their body
