The World Health Organization (WHO) defines adolescence as the period of life between 10 and 19 years of age. This definition is based on a number of factors, including physical, psychological, and social changes that occur during this time. Adolescence is a time of rapid growth and development, and it is a time when young people begin to develop their own identities and sense of self. It is also a time when young people begin to take on more responsibility and make more independent decisions.
The WHO's definition of adolescence is widely used by researchers, policymakers, and health professionals. It is also used by schools and other organizations that work with young people. This definition helps to ensure that young people are getting the services and support they need during this important time in their lives.
In the following sections, we will explore the WHO's definition of adolescence in more detail. We will also discuss the physical, psychological, and social changes that occur during this time. Finally, we will provide tips for parents and other adults on how to support young people during adolescence.
WHO Definition of Adolescent
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines adolescence as the period of life between 10 and 19 years of age.
- Age range: 10-19 years
- Rapid physical growth
- Psychological development
- Socialの変化
- Development of identity
- Increased independence
- Greater responsibility
- Exploration of sexuality
- Preparation for adulthood
- Vulnerability to health risks
The WHO's definition of adolescence is widely used by researchers, policymakers, and health professionals.
Age range: 10-19 years
The WHO defines adolescence as the period of life between 10 and 19 years of age. This age range is based on a number of factors, including physical, psychological, and social changes that occur during this time.
Physical changes: Adolescence is a time of rapid physical growth and development. Young people experience a growth spurt, and their bodies begin to take on adult proportions. They also develop secondary sexual characteristics, such as breasts in girls and facial hair in boys. These physical changes can be a source of both excitement and anxiety for young people.
Psychological changes: Adolescence is also a time of significant psychological changes. Young people begin to develop their own identities and sense of self. They become more independent and start to make their own decisions. They also begin to think more abstractly and develop a more sophisticated understanding of the world around them. These psychological changes can be challenging for young people, but they are also essential for their development into adulthood.
Social changes: Adolescence is a time of major social changes. Young people begin to spend more time with their peers and less time with their families. They also start to explore romantic relationships. These social changes can help young people to develop a sense of belonging and to learn how to interact with others. However, they can also be a source of stress and anxiety.
The WHO's definition of adolescence is a helpful way to understand the unique challenges and opportunities that young people face during this important time in their lives.
Rapid physical growth
One of the most noticeable changes that occurs during adolescence is rapid physical growth. Young people experience a growth spurt, and their bodies begin to take on adult proportions. This growth spurt typically begins around age 10 in girls and age 12 in boys. It lasts for several years, and during this time young people can grow several inches taller each year.
- Growth spurt:
The growth spurt is a period of rapid physical growth that occurs during adolescence. During this time, young people can grow several inches taller each year.
- Body proportions:
Adolescents' bodies begin to take on adult proportions during puberty. This means that their arms and legs become longer, their torsos grow longer, and their hips and shoulders widen.
- Secondary sexual characteristics:
Adolescents also develop secondary sexual characteristics, such as breasts in girls and facial hair in boys. These changes are caused by the release of hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone.
- Body composition:
Adolescents' body composition also changes during puberty. They gain muscle mass and lose fat mass. This can lead to changes in their appearance and athletic performance.
Rapid physical growth can be a source of both excitement and anxiety for young people. It can be exciting to see their bodies changing and maturing, but it can also be anxiety-provoking to deal with the new challenges that come with these changes.
Psychological development
Adolescence is a time of significant psychological development. Young people begin to develop their own identities and sense of self. They become more independent and start to make their own decisions. They also begin to think more abstractly and develop a more sophisticated understanding of the world around them. These psychological changes can be challenging for young people, but they are also essential for their development into adulthood.
- Identity development:
Adolescents begin to develop their own sense of identity during this time. They explore different roles and identities, and they try to figure out who they are and what they want to be. This can be a confusing and challenging process, but it is also an important part of growing up.
- Independence:
Adolescents also become more independent during this time. They start to make their own decisions and take on more responsibility. This can be a difficult adjustment for parents, but it is an important part of preparing young people for adulthood.
- Abstract thinking:
Adolescents also begin to think more abstractly during this time. They are able to think about things that are not concrete or directly observable. This allows them to develop more complex ideas and to understand the world around them in a more sophisticated way.
- Emotional development:
Adolescents also experience a range of emotional changes during this time. They may feel more intense emotions, and they may have difficulty controlling their emotions. This can be a challenging time for both adolescents and their parents.
The psychological changes that occur during adolescence are essential for young people's development into adulthood. However, these changes can also be challenging for both adolescents and their parents. It is important to be patient and understanding during this time, and to offer young people the support they need to navigate these changes successfully.
Socialの変化
Adolescence is a time of major social changes. Young people begin to spend more time with their peers and less time with their families. They also start to explore romantic relationships. These social changes can help young people to develop a sense of belonging and to learn how to interact with others. However, they can also be a source of stress and anxiety.
Peers: Adolescents begin to spend more time with their peers during this time. This is partly because they are starting to develop a sense of identity and they want to be around people who share their interests and values. Peers can also provide support and validation during a time when young people are feeling insecure and unsure of themselves.
Romantic relationships: Adolescents also start to explore romantic relationships during this time. This can be a confusing and exciting time, as young people learn about themselves and what they want in a partner. Romantic relationships can also be a source of stress and heartbreak.
Social media: Social media is another important part of the social lives of adolescents. Young people use social media to connect with friends and family, to share information and ideas, and to explore their identities. Social media can be a positive force in young people's lives, but it can also be a source of stress and anxiety.
The social changes that occur during adolescence are essential for young people's development into adulthood. However, these changes can also be challenging for both adolescents and their parents. It is important to be patient and understanding during this time, and to offer young people the support they need to navigate these changes successfully.
Here are some tips for parents and other adults on how to support young people during this time:
- Be open and honest with your child about the changes they are going through.
- Listen to your child and try to understand their point of view.
- Be supportive and encouraging, even when you don't agree with your child's choices.
- Set limits and boundaries, but be flexible and willing to negotiate.
- Be a role model for your child and show them how to have healthy relationships.
Development of identity
Adolescence is a time of significant identity development. Young people begin to explore different roles and identities, and they try to figure out who they are and what they want to be. This can be a confusing and challenging process, but it is also an important part of growing up.
- Self-exploration:
Adolescents begin to explore different aspects of their identity during this time. They may experiment with different styles of dress, different hairstyles, and different social groups. They may also start to explore their sexual orientation and their gender identity.
- Identity formation:
As adolescents explore different aspects of their identity, they begin to form a more cohesive sense of self. This sense of self includes their values, beliefs, and goals. It also includes their sense of belonging to different groups, such as their family, their peer group, and their community.
- Identity crisis:
Some adolescents experience an identity crisis during this time. This is a period of confusion and uncertainty about who they are and what they want to be. Identity crises can be triggered by a variety of factors, such as changes in family circumstances, changes in peer relationships, or changes in personal circumstances.
- Identity achievement:
Most adolescents eventually achieve a sense of identity. This means that they have a clear understanding of who they are and what they want to be. They are also comfortable with their identity and are able to express it in a healthy way.
The development of identity is an essential part of adolescence. It is a process that takes time and effort, and it is not always easy. However, it is important for young people to have the opportunity to explore their identities and to develop a strong sense of self.
Increased independence
Adolescence is a time of increasing independence. Young people start to make their own decisions and take on more responsibility. This can be a challenging adjustment for parents, but it is an important part of preparing young people for adulthood.
- Decision-making:
Adolescents begin to make more of their own decisions during this time. This includes decisions about what to wear, what to eat, and how to spend their time. They may also start to make decisions about their education and their future career.
- Responsibility:
Adolescents also start to take on more responsibility during this time. They may start to help out with chores around the house, or they may get a part-time job. They may also start to take on more responsibility for their own schoolwork.
- Separation from parents:
As adolescents become more independent, they may start to separate from their parents. This is a normal part of growing up, and it is important for both adolescents and their parents to allow this separation to happen.
- Conflict with parents:
Increased independence can sometimes lead to conflict between adolescents and their parents. This is because adolescents may not always make the same decisions that their parents would make. It is important for parents to be patient and understanding during this time, and to try to resolve conflicts in a healthy way.
Increased independence is an essential part of adolescence. It is a process that takes time and effort, and it is not always easy. However, it is important for young people to have the opportunity to develop their independence and to learn how to make their own decisions.
Greater responsibility
Adolescence is a time of greater responsibility. Young people start to take on more responsibility for their own lives and for the people around them. This can be a challenging adjustment, but it is an important part of preparing young people for adulthood.
Responsibility for oneself: Adolescents start to take on more responsibility for their own lives during this time. They may start to get ready for school in the morning, or they may start to do their own laundry. They may also start to make their own appointments and to manage their own finances.
Responsibility for others: Adolescents may also start to take on more responsibility for others during this time. They may start to help out with younger siblings, or they may start to volunteer in their community. They may also start to take on leadership roles in school or in extracurricular activities.
Responsibility for decisions: Adolescents also start to take on more responsibility for their own decisions during this time. This includes decisions about their education, their career, and their relationships. It is important for young people to learn how to make responsible decisions, and parents and other adults can help them to do this by providing guidance and support.
Taking on greater responsibility is an essential part of adolescence. It is a process that takes time and effort, and it is not always easy. However, it is important for young people to have the opportunity to develop their sense of responsibility and to learn how to make responsible decisions.
Here are some tips for parents and other adults on how to help young people develop their sense of responsibility:
- Give young people opportunities to take on responsibility. This could include chores around the house, helping out with younger siblings, or volunteering in the community.
- Be clear about your expectations and hold young people accountable for their responsibilities.
- Praise young people when they take responsibility and make good decisions.
- Be patient and understanding when young people make mistakes. Mistakes are a part of learning and growing.