Changes Occurring in Teens​

What Developmental Changes are Taking Place?  
Adolescent cognitive, social and emotional development may lag behind biological development. The changes they are undergoing are not always coordinated ideally. The typical physical growth spurt begins at about 13 for girls, 14.5 for boys, and is complete in about 2 years. Sexual development is a process that takes about 4 years
Physically  
With the onset of puberty there is growth and increased reproductive maturity, making possible the radical transformation from child to potential parent. Adolescents are very aware of physical changes, other people's reactions and direct hormone effects on their behaviour. The typical physical growth spurt begins at about 13 for girls, 14.5 for boys and is complete in 2 years or so.    Info now says 10-11 for girls, 12-13 for boys.
Sexually 
Adolescents' interest in the opposite sex use language that acknowledges sexual diversity rises markedly with puberty in all cultures. Society demands that they control their hormonal urges, which are especially strong in boys. When under the influence of drugs or alcohol, adolescents can easily become uninhibited about expressing their sexual drive. Sexual development is a process that takes about 4 years to complete, beginning, on average, at 12 for girls and 14 for boys.  Info now says between 8 - 13 for girls and 10 – 13 for boys.
Cognitively 
Early in their teens, people reach a new level of thinking and reasoning ('operational thinking') which means they can now envisage alternatives to the status quo and consider new possibilities. This often opens up more idealistic opinions and leads to criticism of the world as they find it (even in their families). Until these intellectual skills fully develop, teenagers struggle to form a sense of identity and to understand the consequences of their actions. At this time there is an increased likelihood of risk-taking behaviour.
Emotionally 
They are developing a self concept and sense of personal identity. Teens show increased emotional introspection about the past and future, with a greater appreciation of their ideal self and their shortcomings. Emotionally, they tend to be very self-focused and their capacity to regulate emotions is challenged.
Scholastically 
With the big transition from elementary to high school, teens may encounter academic challenges; they are expected to develop more mature cognitive skills and begin planning their future careers. Autonomy and motivation are developing as they work out interpersonal social challenges. 
Interpersonally
There are dramatic changes in same sex friendships, peer influences and first love relationships. They are developing greater independence and their own style of thinking and behaving. 

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