Teenage Physical Development

Adolescence can be a physical roller coaster with the numerous growth spurts that teens experience as well as the changes that their bodies go through. Teenage physical development can be actually be a scary and confusing experience, which is why it is important for teens and their parents to make themselves aware of these changes. Once a teen is familiar with the changes they will go through, they can discuss any concerns with their parents.

Features

• Girls typically experience a rapid change in breast size during their teen years. Although breast growth occurs before a female reaches her teens--usually between the ages of 8 and 13 is when the body begins to release hormones, according to Teen Help--the breasts may not stop developing until between 16 and 18 years of age. Boys experience an increase in the size of their genitals, changes in the pitch of their voice and the growth of both facial and pubic hair.

Significance

• Teens generally begin to feel peer pressure because of the physical changes they are experiencing. The teen years bring with them a change in height, weight, and sexual awareness. Since girls are either beginning, or have already begun, their menstrual cycle by the time they hit 13 years of age, they may feel bloated, which also causes them to feel inferior about their weight. Teenage boys may feel pressured about having sex.

Considerations

• Parents should take into consideration that along with the outer physical changes their teens are experiencing, there are several inner physical changes taking place as well. A teenager's brain is also rapidly developing, causing them to reach a higher level of maturity and self identity. However, the physical changes that they experience also causes them to feel self-consciousness, sensitivity and concern about their body, particularly when comparing themselves with their peers, states the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Misconceptions

• Although teenage girls develop breasts, teenage boys experience a pain and tenderness from the enlargement of breast tissue as well. According to Teen Growth, a firm "knot" usually forms just underneath the nipple and can either occur on one side or both at the same time. So although boys do not grow actual breasts, they still experience changes in breast tissue which can cause them tenderness for up to two years.

Tip

• Both teens and parents commonly have concerns about the physical developments that take place. That is why it is important for parents to talk with both boys and girls about these changes before they take place, according to Virginia K. Molgaard, an Iowa State University Extension family life specialist.