Adolescence facts for kids

A group of teens

Adolescence is a special time when a person changes from being a child to becoming an adult. It's a period where your body grows and changes a lot, and your feelings and thoughts also develop. While your body might start looking like an adult's, your emotions and understanding of the world are still growing.

The exact ages for adolescence can be different in various cultures around the world. In the United States, this time usually starts around ages 11 to 13 and can last until you are about 17 to 21. People going through adolescence are often called "teenagers" or "teens." This name comes from the end of the words "thirteen" through "nineteen." The word "adolescence" itself comes from the Latin word adolescere, which means "to grow up."

During adolescence, many important changes happen. You'll notice big changes in your body, your feelings, and how you learn and think in school. In many places, this is when kids finish elementary school and move on to secondary education, like middle school or high school.

Physical Changes During Adolescence

During adolescence, most young people go through a stage called puberty. This is when your body starts to develop and change into an adult body. These changes often begin before you even turn 13. Puberty involves things like growing taller, changes in your voice, and other physical developments that prepare your body for adulthood.

Becoming an Adult

Different cultures have their own ideas about when someone becomes an adult. For example, in Jewish tradition, people are considered adults at age 13. This change is celebrated with special ceremonies called the Bar Mitzvah for boys and the Bat Mitzvah for girls.

Legally, there is usually a specific age when a person is officially considered an adult. This is called the age of majority. When you reach this age, you gain certain rights and responsibilities under the law.

Other pages

• Coming of age

Images for kids

• 

  Upper body of a teenage boy. The structure has changed to resemble an adult form.

• 

  G. Stanley Hall

• 

  The Sisters, by James Collinson

• 

  Painting of an apprentice cobbler, 1877. Despite his youthful appearance, he has taken on adult roles – working for pay.

• 

  Portrait of a noble girl c. 1571

• 

  A girl looking at her smart phone

• 

  A young U.S. Marine in the Vietnam War, 1965

See also

In Spanish: Adolescencia para niños