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Lake Cumberland District Health Department

A healthy today for a brighter tomorrow.

Teen Wellness

During adolescence, individuals experience a wide range of physical, mental, emotional, and social changes. It is typical for boys to develop facial and pubic hair and for their voices to deepen, while girls commonly experience breast growth, pubic hair growth, and the onset of menstruation. It is not uncommon for these changes to cause worry for teens, as they may feel self-conscious about their appearance. During this period, teenagers may also encounter peer pressure to experiment with alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and sexual activity. Additionally, other challenges such as eating disorders, depression, and family conflicts may arise. It’s important to note that teens become increasingly independent, with their own unique personalities and interests, while still relying on their parents for guidance and support.

Young Teens (12-14 Years)

Children in this age group may:

  • Show more concern about body image, looks, and clothes.
  • Focus on themselves; going back and forth between high expectations and lack of confidence.
  • Experience more moodiness.
  • Show more interest in and influence by peer group.
  • Express less affection toward parents; sometimes might seem rude or short-tempered.
  • Feel stress from more challenging school work.
  • Develop eating problems.
  • Feel a lot of sadness or depression, which can lead to poor grades at school, alcohol or drug use, unsafe sex, and other problems.

 

Learn more at cdc.gov/adolescence.

If you would like to submit an anonymous question (or read past questions and responses) to a health professional about your Body’s Development, Sex, Sex-Related Diseases/Infections (STDs/STIs), Stress or Depression, Drugs or Alcohol, or a variety of other health-related issues, click here: Submit an Anonymous Question to a Health Professional..  You do not have to provide your name or contact information.  Or, if you prefer, you may text your question to (270) 681-0638.