Adolescence

Adolescence is one of the most important aspects of an individual’s life. It is a transitionary period. Individuals are on the cusp of becoming fully-realized individuals. There are a lot of changes taking place both inside and outside of the body during adolescence. Adolescence can be very transformative and destabilizing due to so many changes happening. Physical, social, and mental developments take place periodically. The onset of adolescence can differ according to the individual. Adolescence is when an individual starts developing the foundational basis of their personality. It discusses concepts such as adolescence, adolescence problems, and the characteristics of adolescence. 

Adolescence

Adolescence is the cusp between pre-pubescent and early adulthood. Adolescence starts around 13-14 years and lasts around 17-18 years. Adolescence is a time of changes and transformation. In some literature, adolescence can start as early as 10 years. It is a foundational stage of an individual’s life. Many psychological and sociological developments take place during this stage. Understanding themselves and their interactions with their surroundings and systems determine the development of their personality. During adolescence, the growth taking place is rapid. The parts of life affected by the onset of adolescence are:

• Health
• Belief-systems
• Feelings
• Interactions
• Decision makings

Adolescence Problems

Adolescents face many adolescence problems. These adolescence problems are related to various socio-cultural aspects of their lives. Adolescence problems are also linked with psychological development. Adolescence problems can be very volatile since the phase is uncomfortable and exploratory for adolescents. For the proper and all-around growth and development of adolescents, they need empathy and an open mind. Some adolescence problems have been given here:

• Behavioural Changes
• Physical changes
• Social problems
• Psychological changes
• Self-exploration
• Educational challenges and possible substance-abuse

Psychological adjustments characterise a large portion of adolescence. Adolescence problems like the contraction of an infectious disease due to unsafe sexual practices, unplanned or teenage pregnancies, substance abuse, or dabbling in criminal activities have to be considered. These situations need to be dealt with in an empathetic, educational, and accepting manner. 

Characteristics of Adolescence

Characteristics of Adolescence are important to learn. These characteristics reveal pertinent information regarding adolescence.  There is a large variety of characteristics of adolescence. These characteristics of adolescence can be divided according to the developmental stage. Some of these characteristics of Adolescence have been discussed here. The characteristics of adolescence are:

• Physical transition
• Emotional upheavals
• Psychological transition
• Sexual exploration
• Struggles against authority
• Maturity and self-exploration

Adolescence is the phase where children start to become teenagers. After teenage, individuals are set on the path of becoming young adults. This is a crucial time of development as much foundational growth takes place in all aspects of the individual. Their self-identity develops during this time and it can be a confusing and challenging period.

Assisting Adolescents 

In many cases, children reach the age of adolescence around their teenage years. Reaching the age of adolescence class 8 is important to notice. Adolescence is a creative and delicate phase. Teenagers need acceptance, visibility, and understanding from their peers, friends, and family. Recognition and validation are very important to the all-around development of an adolescent. Here are a few ways by which adults can be supportive of adolescents in their lives:

• Lend an ear when asked, without judgments or reservations
• Be prepared to talk about sensitive topics like self-identity and self-expression
• Adults should be prepared to discuss uncomfortable topics such as sexual education, personal boundaries, and the need to be comfortable in their bodies
• Adults must be open to hearing the experiences of adolescents without invalidating or infantilizing them
• Education and awareness are a two-way interactive system
• Adolescents must be encouraged to explore, experiment, and create safely by adults

Conclusion

Adolescence is the phase where children start to become teenagers. After teenage hood, individuals are set on the path of becoming young adults. Their self-identity develops during this time and it can be a confusing and challenging period. Individuals should have access to relevant information about the changes they are encountering. Education and awareness are two-way interactive systems. The confusion of the transformations must be negotiated through the support and assistance of grown-ups or responsible adults in their lives.