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Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change Class 7 Science Notes

Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change

The journey of life of a human can be divided into different stages: infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. Each person experiences these stages at their own pace, and the duration of each stage may vary from one individual to another. From infancy to adulthood, our bodies undergo various changes. Until around 10-12 years of age, most changes are related to height and weight. After this, other noticeable changes begin to occur, marking the onset of adolescence. This is a period of rapid growth and development, typically occurring between the ages of 10-19. During adolescence, the body prepares for adulthood.

Humans, like most other living beings, cannot reproduce immediately after their birth. Their bodies need to grow and reach a stage of maturity to be able to reproduce.

As humans grow and develop, they experience significant physical, emotional, and behavioural changes, along with the ability to reproduce. Some of these changes may be quite clearly observable, while others occur internally and may go unnoticed.

Growing With Age: The Teenage Years

Adolescence is a stage of development between childhood and adulthood. It starts around 10 years of age and can continue up to the age of 19.

Increase in height

From birth, our body undergoes continuous growth and development including an increase in height. However, the increase in height becomes more prominent during adolescence.

Changes in body structure, weight gain, and strength

As boys grow, it might be seen that along with growing taller, they gain weight, their shoulders might become a bit broader, and their chests may get wider.

Girls also undergo changes in height and weight, and other body changes like development of breasts.

Changes in voice

In adolescent boys, the growth of the voice box leads to a voice that sounds hoarse. The voice box is a structure in our throat that helps us to speak. The growth may be seen as a bump in the throat region and is called the Adam's apple. However, it is not noticeable in every individual. The voice box also grows in adolescent girls but it is not as big as in the boys, leading to only slight changes in voice.

Appearance of hair in different parts of body

Both boys and girls experience the growth of hair in different parts of their bodies, such as the armpits and pubic region.

Boys often develop facial hair, which later grows into a moustache and a beard as they move towards adulthood. Some boys may also develop chest hair and back hair, though few boys may have no significant hair growth. Variations in and timing of appearance of hair growth is completely normal.

Changes in facial skin: emergence of pimples

Another common occurrence during the adolescent years is a skin condition called acne, in which small, reddish pimples appear. These are commonly visible on the face. Acne occurs due to an increase in oily secretions from the skin during adolescence that can clog the skin pores and lead to infections. While acne is a condition, pimples are a manifestation of it.

Note

Whether it is a change in height, voice, or facial hair, it is important to recognise that the timing, nature, and extent of these changes vary among individuals. These variations are completely normal. Each person experiences adolescence at his or her own pace, and its duration also varies from one person to another.

Some of these characteristic changes, like change in voice, the growth of facial and chest hair in boys, and the development of breasts in girls are not directly involved in the process of reproduction. However, these characteristic changes help distinguish males from females. For this reason, they are called secondary sexual characteristics.

Secondary sexual characteristics are natural signs that the body is preparing for adulthood. They mark the onset of puberty. Puberty is the stage in which the body of an adolescent undergoes external and internal changes to develop into an adult capable of reproduction.

Changes that Indicate Reproductive Capability

Adolescence is marked not only by observable changes but also by internal changes that are not visible from the outside. One such change is the maturation of various parts involved in the process of reproduction.

Both boys and girls experience such changes gradually, and these changes are a natural part of the process of growing up. An important internal change associated with adolescent girls is the onset of the menstrual cycle. It recurs generally every 28-30 days and is more commonly known as 'the period'. Many healthy girls may have longer or shorter menstrual cycles ranging from 21-35 days. The menstrual cycle is an important natural process and is one of the signs of good reproductive health. The phase of the cycle when blood discharge occurs from the body is referred to as menstruation. It may last for three to seven days. Some girls may feel pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen during these days. Usually, by the age of 45-55, menstruation stops naturally, marking the end of the reproductive capability in a woman's life.

There are many wrong beliefs about menstruation that often lead to unnecessary fear, shame, or even guilt. These beliefs have given rise to certain myths and taboos. Among such myths and taboos, physical isolation of menstruating girls is unfortunately still quite prevalent. Menstruation is a natural process, and such myths have no scientific basis.

Emotional and Behavioural Changes in Adolescents

Adolescence is not just about physical changes or changes associated with reproductive capability but also about emotional and behavioural changes. Adolescence is often marked by stronger emotions than childhood. These emotions might affect adolescents' behaviour like taking up/joining social initiatives to support the needy and the disadvantaged, or developing deeper interest in new areas.

Understanding how our emotions influence our behaviour and actions, can help us make better choices and respond to situations thoughtfully.

Making Adolescence a Joyful Experience

The journey of adolescence is a unique experience. Heightened curiosity and excitement during this stage of life give adolescents a new viewpoint towards almost everything around them. Good habits, thoughtful decisions, and small actions can have a powerful positive impact on the overall well-being of adolescents.

Meeting nutritional needs

Since adolescence is a period of growth and development marked by several changes in the body, a nutritious diet is of utmost importance.

For proper growth, and to perform well on the playground, we need proteins and carbohydrates. We also need an adequate amount of fats, vitamins, and minerals as well.

Personal hygiene

Besides nutrition, personal hygiene is also crucially important during adolescence. Maintaining body hygiene, particularly in the armpits and the pubic region, may protect us from potential infections.

For girls, maintaining proper hygiene during menstruation is essential for both comfort and health. Menstrual hygiene can be maintained using items such as sanitary pads and reusable cloth pads designed for this purpose.

It is important to dispose of used sanitary pads properly by wrapping them in newspaper and disposing inside a dustbin. This is to ensure community health and environmental cleanliness. These days, biodegradable sanitary pads are also available that are environment-friendly.

Physical activities

Regular exercise and physical activities are also very important during adolescence. These activities will keep your body and mind fit and healthy, build up your stamina and boost your mood.

Balanced social life

We all live in a society and interact with each other in our day-to-day life. We should all be polite and respectful towards each other. This helps create a favourable and safe environment.

Since adolescence is a stage of life marked by new experiences and emotions, we must be thoughtful and responsible while interacting with others-whether in person or through social media. This is the time adolescents may feel attracted to their peers, and mimic their behaviour. Today, they often interact with each other online.

Cyberbullying involves the use of digital devices such as phones, computers, or online platforms to harass others by sending misleading messages, spreading false rumours, or sharing personal information without consent. However, if someone tries to bully you, it is important not to feel scared or helpless. Rather, handle it wisely and seek help from parents and teachers.

Additionally, you should be cautious when uploading any picture online or sharing personal information with strangers.

Avoiding harmful substances - learn to say NO

Some people, including your peers, may tempt, persuade, force or, create pressure on you to consume harmful substances such as tobacco, gutka, cigarettes, beedi, alcohol, or even life-threatening illegal drugs. Since adolescence is marked by curiosity and excitement, adolescents might get influenced by such people and try these substances.

These substances are not just harmful to physical and mental health but are also addictive. This means that once people start consuming them, they develop a strong urge to take them again and again. Over time, they start using them regularly. This is called substance abuse.

Using these substances can cause serious health problems, such as breathing difficulties, memory loss, and damage to the lungs, depending on the substance. To stay healthy, it is important to completely avoid these substances and make healthy choices instead. It is important to remain firm and confident in your decision to say 'NO'.

The first step to overcoming addiction is seeking help and support from family and friends, and talking to trusted people, such as parents or teachers. Counselling and medical advice can also be helpful in handling such situations. Remember, your health and your future are in your hands-choose wisely!

The 'Why' Question for Adolescence

Many changes in adolescence, including menstruation and other signs of puberty, are mainly due to hormones: certain chemicals produced in our bodies. Hormones play a crucial role in regulating various aspects of growth and development, contributing to the proper functioning of the body. They are produced in different parts of the body and are released at an appropriate time in response to signals from the brain. Some hormones influence mood and behaviour.

By staying informed, seeking support and guidance when needed, and making healthy decisions, you can build a strong foundation for your life ahead.

Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and ChangeClass 7 Science Notes