Adolescence is simply a transition stage from childhood to adulthood. It is a stage which all young people go through to become biologically and sexually mature. In girls it may start as early as 9 or 10 years and in boys it begins around 12 or 13 years. Adolescence is a time of rapid change in the body, emotions, attitudes, values, intellect and relationship.

Adolescence changes are triggered by hormones of the pituitary gland and the gonads. The hormones bring about the development and maintenance of the secondary sex characteristics.

Adolescence are passionate people and are apt to be carried away by impulse. They can experience irrepressible joy or inconsolable sadness, gregariousness or loneliness, altruism or self-centeredness, insatiable curiosity , confidence or self doubt.

An adolescent is expected to

  • become independent of his/her parents.
  • establish a new social and working relationship with peers of both sexes as well as with adults.
  • adjust to sexual maturity and changing roles
  • decide on future goals.