Puberty begins with hormonal shifts
that trigger the development of male and female sex characteristics. In
general, puberty usually starts for girls between the ages of 9 and 11, and for
most boys between the ages of 9½ and 13 years, although the exact age at which
puberty starts varies widely among individuals.
Adolescents are
usually very aware of how their development compares to that of their friends.
Any development that varies significantly from the norm can be a source of
great anxiety along with social and emotional struggles.
The
tables below highlight some of the advantages and disadvantages related to the
timing of puberty.1
When puberty starts early | | Girls who mature
early: | Boys who mature
early: |
|---|
| Advantages of maturing
early | - May be more popular with boys. This can
make them more popular with other teens, leading to early dating and a more
active social life.
- May have an easier time coping with the
stresses of adulthood. These girls have more social experiences.
| - Often do well in sports because of their
physical maturity.
- May seem more attractive to girls because girls
usually mature earlier than boys.
- Are often seen as leaders by
other teens.
|
|---|
| Disadvantages of maturing
early | - May be embarrassed about having periods,
developing breasts, and growing taller sooner than their peers.
- May
look more like adults and be expected to act like adults.
- May have
problems dating if they are not emotionally ready.
- May have less
time to adjust to puberty due to early development.
| - May feel pressure to grow up too soon and
to take on duties that they may not be ready for.
- May have problems
dating if they are not emotionally ready.
- May not have enough time
to enjoy being a teenager.
|
|---|
When puberty starts late | | Girls who mature
late: | Boys who mature late: |
|---|
| Advantages of maturing
late | - May enjoy relatively "safe" teenage years
because they have more time to get emotionally ready for
puberty.
- May not be pressured to date too early or have sex.
| - May grow up with strong coping skills and
greater curiosity because they developed later.
- May be more focused
on school and getting good grades than on dating.
|
|---|
| Disadvantages of maturing
late | - May be anxious, wondering when their
bodies will develop.
- May be made fun of by other
teens.
- May stay "childlike" longer.
| - May find it harder to compete in sports,
date, or take on leadership activities because of their delayed physical
development.
|
|---|
Citations
Irwin CE, et al. (2003). The adolescent patient. In CD
Rudolph, AM Rudolph, eds., Rudolph's Pediatrics, 21st
ed., pp. 223-270. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Irwin CE, et al. (2003). The adolescent patient. In CD
Rudolph, AM Rudolph, eds., Rudolph's Pediatrics, 21st
ed., pp. 223-270. New York: McGraw-Hill.
