PUBERTY
AND
GROWING UP
What comes to your mind when you hear
the word ‘puberty’?
Puberty is the time when the body begins to develop and
change from being a child to an adult. Puberty is controlled
by hormones, and these hormones result in physical and
psychological changes.
WHAT PUBERTY CAN LOOK LIKE....
These changes happen slowly, over a number of years.
Puberty starts for females around 9-12 (with variations) and for males around 11-14
(with variations).
Changes can happen any time between the ages of 8 and 18. It is different for
everyone
Puberty can be a very exciting time, but it can be difficult and confusing too.
If you are confused or worried about how your body is changing, (or about how it is
not changing yet), it is a good idea to talk to your parents, another family member or
your teachers
Let’s list the changes that happen during
puberty....
PHYSICAL CHANGES
Puberty is a part of growing up. Puberty happens because your body produces chemicals
called sex hormones - chemicals that make your body act like an adult male or an adult
female body.
If you are born male, If you are born female, you
the main sex hormone have two main sex hormones
in your body is called in your body. These are
testosterone. The main estrogen and progesterone.
job of testosterone is They work together to make
to make your body your body female.
male.
PHYSICAL CHANGES CHANGES
THAT HAPPEN TO US ALL.....
Weight and height gain
Skin and hair become oily
• Acne also known as zits or pimples
develop on face and body
• More sweating and body odour (when sweat smells
bad)
• Hair growth on arms and legs and around private
parts
PHYSICAL CHANGES THAT HAPPEN TO
US DIFFERENTLY...
Boys are likely to
experience or develop...
Facial hair
Breaking or
deepening of voice Girls are likely to
(Adam’s apple) experience or develop...
Broadening of chest Some facial hair
and shoulders Widening of hips
Changes in (Body becomes
reproductive organs curvier)
Increase in chest size
Menstrual cycle
But is puberty all about physical
changes....??
EMOTIONAL CHANGES
As your body changes during puberty, you will begin to notice other changes in the way
you feel, think and behave.
Common emotional experiences during puberty include:
mood swings,
forming deeper bonds with peers,
frequent disagreements with parents,
feeling everything intensely,
feeling self-conscious and struggling with confidence
This will all help you to grow up to become an
independent adult!
EMOTIONAL CHANGES
Your hormones are very active at this time and they can really affect your moods and feelings.
You may find that you lose your temper more easily and you can sometimes have fights with your family
or friends for no real reason.
You might feel self-conscious about your physical appearance and compare yourself to your friends
or peers.
It’s all normal, but it can feel hard at the time.
And you might feel like you’re the only one
going through this. But actually, it’s all part of
growing up and many others feel like this too.
If you feel low or insecure, it is good to
talk it out!
SOCIAL CHANGES & CHANGES IN THINKING
Adolescence is also a time where you discover more about yourself and want to
develop relationships with people around you....
You will develop an identity of your own...your opinions, interests, values
and beliefs
Your friend circle expands and you may be more influenced by your friends,
you may experience peer pressure
You may seek more independence but will have to be more responsible as
well
SOCIAL AND COGNITIVE CHANGES
You will start thinking about “right” and wrong”
You will communicate in different ways, you are likely to
use internet, social media, blogs, emails more
You may find that you become extremely interested in some people
or attracted to a particular person.
You may want to try new experiences, including risky experiences.
Hence, it is important to keep yourself safe and have boundaries.
TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF
As you “grow” through these changes, it is important to take care of
yourself and try and incorporate some healthy habits....
Eating well also makes your muscles and bones strong and healthy and
gives you healthy-looking hair and nails. And you’ll feel your best too.
Taking regular meals gives your body the energy you need to grow, work and play.
Try to choose healthy snacks between meals and remember to drink enough water.
At least 60 mins of physical activity a day will help you stay fit and healthy and it
can be done with your friends.
TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF
In adolescence your body sweats more, especially when you
exercise. Having a shower or a good wash every day, especially
after you have been playing games or running around, will help
you to keep fresh.
You can use a deodorant under your arms after you have washed –but do
wash first!
And remember to change your socks and underwear
every day.
TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF
Your skin makes oil all the time to keep it soft.
During adolescence it can tend to make a bit more oil than it needs. The oil
clogs up your pores, and you can get spots on your face and body.
Wash thoroughly with a mild soap and don’t pick your spots –
it only makes them worse.
As you get older your skin will generally settle down and the spots
will go away.
TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF
Just like you have to take care of your body,
you have to take care of your mind and safety
as well....
Try different techniques to manage
your stress and emotions
Talk to someone you trust if you feel
stressed, confused or need guidance
QUIZ TIME
1. When your body reaches a certain age, your brain releases a special
hormone that starts the changes of puberty, called:
a. gonadotropin-releasing hormone
b. luteinizing hormone
c. follicle-stimulating hormone
[Link] ___________ gland is a pea-shaped gland that sits just under
the brain and releases puberty hormones.
[Link] or false: Estrogen is the hormone that causes most of the
changes in a boy’s body during puberty.
4. List four changes that occur during puberty
(including non physical changes)
5. List three things you can do to take care of yourself.
THANK YOU