Chapter 10 — Reaching The Age Of Adolescence

Definition: Adolescence is the transitional stage of human development between childhood and adulthood when the body and mind undergo rapid physical, physiological and psychological changes. It typically begins with puberty, the process by which a child becomes capable of reproduction.

Age range: Adolescence usually starts between about 10 and 14 years and continues until about 18 to 20 years. Girls generally enter adolescence earlier (around 10–14 years) than boys (around 12–16 years).

Main features:

• Physical changes: Rapid increase in height and weight (growth spurt), development of primary reproductive organs (ovaries and testes) and secondary sexual characteristics (breast development, facial hair, voice change).
• Hormonal control: The hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to release hormones (FSH and LH). These stimulate the ovaries in girls to produce estrogen and progesterone, and the testes in boys to produce testosterone. These sex hormones drive the physical changes of puberty.
• Reproductive maturity: Girls usually begin menstruation (menarche). Boys start producing sperm. The body becomes capable of reproduction.
• Emotional and social changes: Increased independence, identity formation, mood swings, peer influence and changes in interests and relationships.
• Health and nutrition needs: Increased nutritional requirements to support rapid growth. Good hygiene and regular medical checkups become important.

Why adolescence matters: It is a critical period for physical development (final adult height, sexual maturity) and for establishing lifelong habits (nutrition, hygiene, mental health). Positive guidance during adolescence helps healthy physical, emotional and social development.

Important notes and misconceptions: Not everyone develops at the same rate. Early or late onset of puberty is usually normal, but extreme delays or very early puberty may need medical attention. Moodiness is common but persistent behavioral or emotional problems should be addressed by parents or counsellors.

What is puberty?
Puberty is the period of life when a child's body develops into an adult body capable of reproduction. It involves rapid physical growth, the development of secondary sexual characteristics and changes in emotions and behaviour. Puberty is triggered by hormones released from the brain and gonads.

Typical age range
Girls: about 9–15 years (often begins around 10–14). Boys: about 10–18 years (often begins around 12–16). There is wide individual variation; these are average ranges.

Hormonal control (simple)
The hypothalamus releases hormones that stimulate the pituitary gland to secrete FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone). These stimulate the ovaries in girls and testes in boys to produce sex hormones—mainly oestrogen and progesterone in girls, and testosterone in boys—which cause the physical changes of puberty.

Main physical changes

• Growth spurt: rapid increase in height and weight.
• Development of secondary sexual characteristics: breasts and widening hips in girls; facial hair, deeper voice and broader shoulders in boys.
• Appearance of pubic and underarm hair in both sexes.
• Onset of menstruation (menarche) in girls and production of sperm/nocturnal emission in boys (sign of reproductive maturity).
• Skin changes: increased oiliness and acne; increased sweating and body odour.

Psychological and social changes
Emotional instability, mood swings, stronger interest in peer relationships, growing desire for independence and identity formation are normal during puberty. Cognitive development also progresses—abstract thinking begins to improve.

Care and hygiene
Good nutrition (protein, calcium, iron), regular exercise, adequate sleep and personal hygiene (regular bathing, menstrual hygiene management, deodorant use, clean clothes) are important. Talk with a trusted adult or healthcare provider about concerns (irregular periods, very early/late puberty, severe acne, mood changes that interfere with life).

Important notes
1) Timing varies widely—early or late onset can be normal but sometimes needs medical evaluation.
2) Puberty is not just physical—support for emotional and social adjustments is important.

Definition: Secondary sexual characters are the physical features that appear at puberty and help distinguish males from females but are not directly involved in reproduction. They develop under the influence of sex hormones.

When they appear: These features appear during adolescence (puberty). Typical age ranges are about 9–14 years for girls and 11–16 years for boys, but individual variation is normal.

What causes them: Sex hormones produced by the gonads drive these changes. In boys, testosterone increases cause changes such as facial hair and voice deepening. In girls, estrogen and progesterone cause breast development and changes in fat distribution. Sweat and sebaceous gland activity also change, producing body odor and acne.

Common male secondary sexual characters: facial and body hair, deepening of voice, growth of Adam's apple, broader shoulders, increased muscle mass, changes in body odor.

Common female secondary sexual characters: breast development, widening of hips, rounded body contours with increased fat deposition (particularly thighs and hips), growth of pubic and underarm hair, changes in skin and body odor. (Note: the onset of menstruation—menarche—is a sign of reproductive maturity and related to primary sexual function.)

Importance: These characters signal sexual maturity, influence gender identity and social roles during adolescence, and can affect physical health and personal hygiene needs. They vary in timing and extent from person to person and are normal biological changes.

The endocrine system is a collection of glands that secrete chemical messengers called hormones directly into the blood. Hormones travel through blood to target organs and control many body functions such as growth, metabolism, reproduction, and responses to stress. Unlike the nervous system (fast, short-lived electrical signals), endocrine signals are slower but act longer.

Endocrine vs Exocrine glands

• Endocrine glands: Release hormones into the blood (e.g., pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pancreas [islet cells], ovaries, testes).
• Exocrine glands: Release substances through ducts to an external surface or cavity (e.g., salivary glands, sweat glands, pancreas digestive part).

Main endocrine glands and important hormones (short functions)

• Pituitary gland (master gland): Growth hormone (GH) — stimulates growth of bones and muscles; also controls other endocrine glands via stimulating hormones.
• Thyroid: Thyroxine (T4) — controls metabolism and rate of energy release; important for normal growth and brain development.
• Parathyroid: Parathyroid hormone (PTH) — regulates calcium level in blood and bones.
• Adrenal glands: Adrenaline (epinephrine) — prepares body for 'fight or flight' (increases heart rate, breathing); corticosteroids — help in long term stress response and metabolism.
• Pancreas (islets): Insulin — lowers blood glucose by allowing cells to take up glucose; Glucagon — raises blood glucose by releasing stored glucose.
• Gonads: Testes produce testosterone (male sex characteristics, sperm production); Ovaries produce oestrogen and progesterone (female sex characteristics, menstrual cycle).
• Pineal: Melatonin — helps regulate sleep–wake cycle.

Hormones in adolescence

• At puberty, the pituitary increases secretion of hormones that stimulate the gonads (testes/ovaries). These gonadal hormones (testosterone, oestrogen) cause secondary sexual characteristics — growth of facial/pubic hair, voice changes, breast development, onset of menstruation, and growth spurt.
• Growth hormone (from pituitary) and thyroid hormones help the rapid increase in height and body changes during adolescence.

Control mechanisms — Feedback

• Most hormone systems work by negative feedback: when the effect (e.g., blood glucose or thyroid hormone level) reaches a set level, production of the stimulating hormone is reduced to keep balance.
• Example: High blood glucose → pancreas releases insulin → blood glucose falls → insulin secretion reduces.

Common disorders

• Diabetes mellitus: insufficient insulin or insulin action → high blood glucose, frequent urination, excessive thirst.
• Hypothyroidism: low thyroxine → slow metabolism, tiredness, cold intolerance.
• Hyperthyroidism: excess thyroxine → fast metabolism, weight loss, nervousness.
• Growth disorders: too little GH → dwarfism; too much GH in childhood → gigantism.

Why it matters in everyday life

• Hormones regulate hunger, sleep, mood, stress reactions and physical development — understanding them helps explain changes during adolescence and health conditions like diabetes or thyroid disease.

Summary: The endocrine system uses hormones to coordinate long-term body functions. During adolescence, changing hormone levels from the pituitary and gonads produce physical and reproductive maturity; balance is maintained by feedback mechanisms.

Overview
The reproductive system comprises the organs and hormones that produce gametes (sperm and ova), enable fertilisation, and support the development of a new individual. The reproductive phase is the period of life when an individual can reproduce: in females from menarche (first menstruation) to menopause, and in males from puberty onward (sperm production usually continues into adult life, though fertility may decline with age).

Male reproductive system (main parts & functions)

• Testes — produce sperm and testosterone.
• Epididymis — store and mature sperm.
• Vas deferens — transport sperm to urethra.
• Seminal vesicles & prostate — add fluid (semen) that nourishes and helps transport sperm.
• Penis — delivers semen into the female reproductive tract.

Female reproductive system (main parts & functions)

• Ovaries — produce ova (eggs) and hormones (estrogen, progesterone).
• Fallopian tubes — site of fertilisation; transport ova to uterus.
• Uterus — houses the developing embryo/fetus; lined by endometrium that thickens and sheds.
• Cervix — lower narrow end of the uterus; opens into the vagina.
• Vagina — muscular canal receiving the penis and serving as birth canal.

Adolescence and the start of the reproductive phase
Puberty triggers physical and hormonal changes that mark the start of the reproductive phase. Hormones from the brain (GnRH from hypothalamus → FSH and LH from pituitary) act on the gonads to produce sex hormones and gametes:

• Girls: breast development, growth of pubic/axillary hair, widening of hips, growth spurt, first menstruation (menarche). The menstrual cycle (averaging ~28 days) begins, showing monthly preparation of the uterus for pregnancy.
• Boys: growth of testes and penis, facial/body hair, deepening of voice, increased muscle mass, first production of active sperm.

Menstrual cycle (simple summary)
A typical cycle (~28 days) is divided into phases: menstrual (days 1–5), follicular/proliferative (approx. days 6–13), ovulation (around day 14), and luteal/secretory (days 15–28). Hormone interactions (FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone) regulate follicle development, ovulation, and endometrial changes.

Fertilisation and early pregnancy
Fertilisation usually occurs in the fallopian tube when a sperm fuses with an ovum to form a zygote. The zygote divides into an embryo, moves to the uterus and implants into the endometrium. Pregnancy (gestation) in humans lasts about 40 weeks from the last menstrual period (~280 days).

Care and responsibility
Personal hygiene, regular medical check-ups, vaccination (e.g., HPV), and education about safe behaviour and consent are important during the reproductive phase. Awareness about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and contraception helps protect health and future choices.

Key points to remember

• Reproductive organs differ in structure and function in males and females.
• Puberty marks the start of the reproductive phase through hormonal changes.
• The menstrual cycle is hormonally controlled and prepares the body for pregnancy each month.
• Fertilisation, implantation and gestation are successive steps leading from conception to birth.

What is menstruation?
Menstruation (period) is the monthly shedding of the uterine lining (endometrium) accompanied by blood and tissue through the vagina. It is a normal part of the reproductive cycle in females that begins at puberty and continues until menopause.

What is the menstrual cycle?
The menstrual cycle is the recurring series of physiological changes in the female reproductive system that prepares the body for pregnancy. It is counted from the first day of one period (day 1) to the first day of the next. The average cycle length is about 28 days, but 21–35 days is considered normal in many girls and women; adolescents may have more irregular cycles during the first few years after menarche.

Phases of the cycle

• Menstrual phase (days 1–4 or 1–5): The functional layer of the endometrium is shed — bleeding occurs. Flow is usually heaviest in the first 1–2 days and then tapers off.
• Follicular (proliferative) phase (about days 5–13): Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary helps several ovarian follicles grow. One dominant follicle matures and the endometrium rebuilds under the influence of rising estrogen.
• Ovulation (around day 14 in a 28‑day cycle): A surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers the release of a mature egg (ovum) from the ovary.
• Luteal (secretory) phase (about days 15–28): The ruptured follicle becomes the corpus luteum and produces progesterone (and some estrogen). Progesterone makes the endometrium thick and secretory to support a fertilized egg. If fertilization does not occur, progesterone and estrogen levels fall, leading to menstruation.

Hormonal control (brief): The hypothalamus releases GnRH (gonadotropin‑releasing hormone) → pituitary releases FSH and LH → ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone. The changing levels of these hormones control follicle development, ovulation and endometrial changes.

Common physical signs and symptoms
Cramping (dysmenorrhea), lower abdominal pain, backache, breast tenderness, mood changes or premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and changes in appetite or sleep. Many girls also experience an initial irregularity in the cycle after menstruation begins; this usually stabilizes with time.

Hygiene and health tips
Use clean sanitary pads, tampons or menstrual cups according to instructions. Change pads every 4–6 hours typically; wash hands before and after changing products. Maintain balanced diet and rest; seek a doctor for very heavy bleeding, severe pain, or very irregular cycles.

Important facts
Typical blood loss during a period is about 20–60 ml (often ~30–40 ml). Menstruation is a sign of a normally functioning reproductive system and not a disease or weakness.

What is adolescence and why hygiene matters
Adolescence is the transition from childhood to adulthood (roughly 10–19 years). Rapid hormonal, physical and emotional changes increase sweat, skin oil (sebum) production, body odor, and risks of infections. Good personal hygiene reduces infections, acne severity, social discomfort and improves self‑confidence.

Main hygiene needs during adolescence

• Bathing: Daily bathing with mild soap helps remove sweat, oil and microbes; more frequent washing after sports or heavy sweating.
• Skin care: Use a gentle cleanser; avoid harsh scrubbing. For acne, keep skin clean, avoid squeezing pimples, consult a doctor for persistent or severe acne.
• Hair care: Wash hair as needed (often 2–4 times weekly depending on oiliness). Keep scalp clean to prevent lice and dandruff.
• Deodorant/antiperspirant: Can help control body odor. Teach correct use and choose age-appropriate, mild products.
• Oral hygiene: Brush twice daily, floss daily, limit sugary snacks, and visit the dentist regularly.
• Nail care: Trim nails short and keep them clean to prevent germ traps and nail infections.
• Genital hygiene: Clean external genital area daily with water and mild soap; for girls, wipe front to back to reduce urinary tract infections. Change underwear daily.
• Menstrual hygiene: Use sanitary pads/tampons/menstrual cups correctly; change pads every 4–6 hours (or sooner if soiled); dispose of pads hygienically; maintain privacy and preparedness at school.
• Clothing and laundry: Wear clean clothes; change socks daily; wash sportswear after use; dry clothes completely to prevent fungal growth.
• Foot care: Keep feet dry, change socks, avoid walking barefoot in public showers; treat athlete’s foot early.
• Mental and social hygiene: Respect privacy, handle peer pressure, and seek guidance from trusted adults about bodily changes.

Practical tips

• Establish a daily routine: shower, brush teeth, comb hair, change into clean clothes.
• Use sunscreen outdoors and moisturize if skin is dry; avoid overuse of products without advice.
• Eat balanced meals, drink enough water, exercise and get adequate sleep—these improve skin and general health.
• If problems (severe acne, persistent odor, severe menstrual pain, infections) occur, consult a doctor or school nurse.

Safety and social guidance
Teach adolescents about consent and privacy: personal care is private, and questions about bodies are normal. Reinforce that hygiene is for health and self‑respect, not punishment.

What is nutrition? Nutrition is the process by which the body takes in food and uses it for growth, repair, energy and maintenance. A balanced diet supplies all nutrients — carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, fibre and water — in the right proportions.

Why it matters in adolescence: Adolescence is a period of rapid growth, hormonal changes and increasing physical activity. Nutrient and energy needs go up to support:

• Growth of bones and muscle (height and weight increase)
• Development of secondary sexual characteristics
• Higher energy use from more activity

Key nutrients and roles:

• Carbohydrates — main energy source for daily activities and brain function.
• Proteins — required for growth and repair of tissues; important for muscle development.
• Fats — concentrated energy source; needed for hormones and absorption of fat‑soluble vitamins.
• Vitamins & Minerals — e.g., calcium and vitamin D for strong bones, iron for blood (especially important for adolescent girls), iodine for thyroid function, vitamin A/C for immunity.
• Fibre — helps digestion and prevents constipation.
• Water — maintains hydration, temperature regulation and transport of nutrients.

Consequences of poor nutrition:

• Under-nutrition: stunted growth, delayed puberty, lowered immunity, anaemia.
• Over-nutrition / bad dietary habits: overweight, obesity, early onset of lifestyle problems (high blood pressure, diabetes risk).

Physical activity and health:

• Regular physical activity increases cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, bone density and mental well‑being, and helps maintain healthy body weight.
• Types of activity: aerobic (running, cycling, swimming), muscle-strengthening (resistance exercises, climbing), bone-strengthening (jumping, skipping) and flexibility exercises (stretching, yoga).
• Recommended amount: children and adolescents should do at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily, including activities that strengthen muscle and bone at least 3 days per week.

Combining nutrition and activity: Energy intake must match energy expenditure for healthy growth. A balanced diet plus regular activity supports healthy weight, strong bones and good mood. For girls, include iron-rich foods (leafy greens, pulses, lean meat) and vitamin C (citrus fruits) to improve iron absorption; for both sexes, ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D.

Practical tips for adolescents:

• Eat three regular meals and healthy snacks; don’t skip breakfast.
• Include a variety of foods (cereals, pulses, dairy, fruits, vegetables, nuts, oils in moderation).
• Limit sugary drinks, fried and highly processed foods.
• Stay active: walk, play sports, cycle; include strength and bone-bearing activities.
• Stay hydrated, get adequate sleep (about 8–10 hours) and consult a doctor if you notice signs of deficiency (fatigue, frequent infections, hair loss, excessive weight changes).

Summary: Adequate nutrition and regular physical activity are both essential during adolescence to ensure correct growth, strong bones and long-term health.

What are emotional and psychological changes?

During adolescence (roughly 10–19 years) young people experience not only physical growth but also major emotional and psychological changes. These changes affect feelings, thinking, behaviour, relationships and self-image. They are driven by hormonal changes, brain maturation, social experiences and changing expectations.

Main causes

• Hormones: Changes in sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) influence mood, energy and emotions.
• Brain development: The prefrontal cortex (planning, impulse control) matures later than the limbic system (emotions), so teens often feel emotions more intensely and have less impulse control.
• Social factors: Peer relationships, school pressure, family expectations and social media shape self-esteem and identity.

Common emotional and psychological changes

• Mood swings: Sudden shifts from happiness to sadness or irritability are common.
• Increased sensitivity: Criticism feels stronger; rejection is felt more deeply.
• Search for identity: Questions like "Who am I?" and experimenting with roles, values and friendships.
• Desire for independence: More need for privacy and autonomy from parents.
• Peer influence and conformity: Peer acceptance becomes very important and may affect decisions and behaviour.
• Anxiety and self-consciousness: Concerns about appearance, performance and social standing.
• Risk-taking: Greater willingness to try new or risky behaviours due to sensation-seeking and peer pressure.

Healthy coping and support

• Open communication: Encourage honest, non-judgemental talks between teens and parents or teachers.
• Regular routine: Sleep, exercise and balanced diet help mood regulation.
• Problem-solving skills: Teach breaking big problems into small steps and seeking help when needed.
• Emotional regulation: Techniques like deep breathing, journaling or talking to a friend.
• Professional help: Counsellors or mental-health professionals if anxiety, depression or behaviour changes are severe or persistent.

When to seek help

If a teen shows prolonged sadness, withdrawal, severe mood swings, drop in school performance, self-harm or thoughts of harming themselves, consult a school counsellor, doctor or mental-health professional promptly.

How teachers and parents can help

• Listen actively and show empathy.
• Set clear but flexible rules and expectations.
• Encourage healthy friendships and extracurricular interests.
• Model emotional regulation and respectful communication.

What this topic means
Adolescence brings physical and emotional changes that affect how young people relate to family, friends and society. Social aspects cover changing roles, peer groups and expectations. Moral aspects concern values such as respect, honesty, empathy and responsibility. Legal aspects describe the rights and protections given by law to children and adolescents and the duties of adults and institutions.

Social aspects
Adolescents form stronger peer bonds, look for identity and independence, and negotiate new responsibilities at home and school. This may cause conflicts with parents or authority figures. Healthy communication, respect for privacy and supportive environments help adolescents adjust.

Moral aspects
Moral behaviour during adolescence means understanding right and wrong, showing respect for others (including different opinions and personal boundaries), taking responsibility for actions, and developing self-control. Empathy, honesty, and fair treatment of others become important as relationships deepen.

Legal aspects
Laws protect children and adolescents and set limits on what adults and institutions may do. Important legal principles include: the definition of a child (under 18 years), prohibition of child marriage and child labour, special protection from sexual offences (laws such as POCSO in India), the right to education, and criminal protections that require adults to report abuse. Knowing legal rights helps young people and caregivers take correct action when rights are violated.

Practical guidance

• Respect privacy: knock before entering a room, ask before sharing personal information or photos.
• Say no and seek help: if pressured into unwanted physical contact, relationships or work, tell a trusted adult or report to the proper authority.
• Communicate: parents and schools should discuss changes (physical, emotional) without shame and provide factual information.
• Responsibility and boundaries: adolescents should take on age-appropriate tasks and follow rules that protect health and rights.
• Use legal channels: child protection services, school counsellors, police or helplines if legal rights are breached.

Why it matters
Understanding social, moral and legal aspects helps adolescents make safe, respectful choices, reduces abuse and discrimination, and supports healthy development into responsible adults.

Adolescence (about 10–19 years) is the transition from childhood to adulthood marked by rapid physical, emotional and social changes. These changes can produce common problems that affect health, studies and relationships. Understanding these problems and how to manage them helps adolescents, parents and teachers respond appropriately.

Common problems

• Physical changes and problems: rapid growth, weight changes, acne, body odor, menstrual irregularities in girls, growth pains, nutritional deficiencies (iron deficiency anaemia), and early or late onset of puberty.
• Emotional and psychological issues: mood swings, irritability, low self-esteem, anxiety, stress about performance, fear of rejection, and in some cases depression.
• Social problems: peer pressure to experiment with smoking, alcohol or drugs, bullying, body-image concerns, and conflicts with parents over independence and rules.
• Academic stress: pressure to perform, time-management problems, exam anxiety and sleep loss.
• Risk-taking behaviour: unsafe use of the internet, risky driving, unprotected sex (where applicable), and other impulsive acts.

Management strategies

• Education and communication: Open, non-judgemental conversations at home and school. Teach facts about puberty, hygiene, menstrual care, and bodily changes.
• Healthy lifestyle: Balanced diet (iron, calcium, proteins, vitamins), regular exercise (30–60 minutes most days), adequate sleep (8–10 hours for many adolescents), and good personal hygiene to reduce acne and body odour.
• Emotional support: Encourage expression of feelings; use active listening. Teach coping skills such as relaxation, deep breathing, time management and problem-solving.
• Professional help: See a doctor for persistent physical problems (severe acne, heavy menstrual bleeding, signs of infection). Seek a counsellor or mental health professional for prolonged sadness, suicidal thoughts, severe anxiety or eating disorders.
• School and peer environment: Anti-bullying policies, counselling services, peer-support groups, and programmes on substance abuse prevention and sex education appropriate to age and culture.
• Parental role: Provide guidance without controlling, set reasonable rules, monitor activities, encourage hobbies and social activities that build self-esteem.
• When to seek immediate help: sudden weight loss/gain, self-harm or suicidal talk, inability to carry out daily activities, severe or long-lasting physical symptoms.

Key points to remember: Most problems in adolescence are normal and temporary if managed well. Timely information, healthy habits, supportive relationships and professional help when needed make the transition smoother and safer.

Overview
Adolescence is the period when a child becomes a young adult and undergoes rapid physical, emotional and social changes (puberty). Parents, teachers and health professionals each have important and complementary roles in helping adolescents understand and manage these changes safely and confidently.

Role of Parents

• Open communication: Create a safe, non-judgmental space to answer questions about body changes, menstruation, wet dreams, mood swings and relationships.
• Guidance and values: Explain family values, consent and healthy behaviour, while respecting the child’s growing need for privacy.
• Nutritional support: Provide balanced meals (proteins, cereals, fruits, vegetables, milk) and ensure adequate sleep and exercise.
• Hygiene and self-care: Teach personal hygiene (bathing, oral care, menstrual hygiene, skin care) and help with access to sanitary products when needed.
• Watch for problems: Observe changes in mood, appetite, school performance or signs of substance use and seek help early.

Role of Teachers

• Age-appropriate education: Teach biological changes, reproductive health basics and hygiene in a factual, culturally sensitive way so students know what to expect.
• Emotional support: Be alert to bullying, social exclusion or drop in academic interest; provide guidance or refer to the school counsellor.
• Safe environment: Maintain classrooms where questions are respected; organise sessions or assemblies with health professionals when needed.
• Monitoring and referral: Notice repeated absences or physical complaints and inform parents or school health staff for follow-up.

Role of Health Professionals

• Medical check-ups: Paediatricians and general physicians monitor growth (height/weight), immunisations and address physical complaints.
• Reproductive and mental health: Gynecologists, adolescent medicine specialists and psychologists/counsellors provide confidential advice about menstruation, sexual health, counselling for anxiety, depression or behavioural issues.
• Nutrition and dentistry: Nutritionists/dietitians guide healthy diets for growth; dentists manage oral health problems.
• Public health and school health services: Nurses or school health staff carry out screening (vision, hearing), first aid, and health education programmes.
• Referral and safeguarding: Health professionals must identify abuse or severe mental-health risks and refer to appropriate social or legal services.

How they work together
Coordination among parents, teachers and health professionals ensures early detection of problems and consistent messages about health and behaviour. For example, if a teacher notices withdrawal, they inform parents and the school counsellor, who may refer the adolescent to a doctor or psychologist.

Practical tips for adults

• Listen without immediate judgement or punishment.
• Provide factual information suitable for the child’s age.
• Encourage healthy habits: regular sleep, balanced diet and physical activity.
• Respect privacy while being observant of warning signs (sudden weight change, persistent sadness, decline in schoolwork).

Why this matters
Supportive adults help adolescents develop healthy bodies, positive self-image and responsible decision-making — reducing risks such as poor nutrition, mental health problems, early pregnancy, substance use and infection.