Just as a seed grows into a mature plant capable of producing new seeds, and young animals grow into adults capable of reproduction, humans also undergo different stages of life. Starting from infancy, we pass through childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and finally old age.

While height and weight changes are significant throughout childhood (up to around 10-12 years), a period of rapid and distinct changes begins after this age, leading towards adulthood. This crucial phase is called adolescence.

Adolescence is typically experienced between the ages of 10 and 19. During this time, the human body matures and develops the capability to reproduce. It's a period marked by significant physical, emotional, and behavioural transformations, some easily visible and others internal.

This chapter will help you understand what adolescence is, why it's important, and how to navigate this stage responsibly.

6.1 Growing With Age: The Teenage Years

You might notice significant changes in yourself and your classmates as you transition through middle school years. These changes are part of growing up.

Activity 6.1: Let Us Discuss

Reflecting on observations of students progressing through grades (like 5 to 8), you might identify common changes related to:

• Height
• Weight and Strength
• General Appearance
• Voice
• Skin condition (pimples)
• Hair growth in different body parts
• Behaviour and Emotions

If you are around 10 years old or older, you might already be experiencing some of these transformations. This period of transition from childhood to adulthood is known as adolescence. It generally begins around age 10 and can extend up to age 19. Adolescence includes the stage of puberty, during which the body matures to become reproductively capable.

Let's look at some common, observable changes during adolescence:

• Increase in Height: Growth in height occurs continuously from birth, but it becomes particularly noticeable and rapid during adolescence.
• Changes in Body Structure, Weight Gain, and Strength: Along with height increase, there are changes in body shape and strength.
  • In boys, shoulders may broaden, chest may widen, and muscle mass increases.
  • In girls, body shape changes, and breasts develop.
• Changes in Voice: The voice box (larynx) in the throat grows significantly during adolescence.
  • In adolescent boys, this growth is more prominent and can be seen as a bulge in the throat called the Adam's apple. This often leads to a deepening and sometimes hoarse voice.
  • In adolescent girls, the voice box grows but is less noticeable externally, leading to only slight changes in voice pitch.
• Changes in Facial Skin: Increased oil secretion from skin glands during adolescence can clog pores, leading to a common skin condition called acne, which manifests as pimples, especially on the face.
• Appearance of Hair in Different Parts of Body: Hair growth occurs in areas like the armpits and the pubic region in both boys and girls.
  • Boys also typically develop facial hair (moustache and beard) and may grow hair on their chest and back.

Important Point: It is crucial to remember that the timing, specific nature, and extent of all these changes vary greatly from one individual to another. These variations are completely normal, and everyone experiences adolescence at their own unique pace.

Some of these visible changes, such as voice change, facial/chest hair in boys, and breast development in girls, are not directly involved in reproduction. However, they serve to distinguish males from females as they mature. These are called secondary sexual characteristics. Their appearance marks the onset of puberty – the stage of physical and internal changes that prepares an adolescent's body for reproductive capability.

6.2 Changes That Indicate Reproductive Capability

Adolescence isn't just about outward physical changes; significant internal changes also occur, leading to reproductive maturity.

These internal transformations are a natural part of development in both boys and girls. A key internal change in adolescent girls is the beginning of the menstrual cycle.

• The menstrual cycle is a natural process that typically occurs every 28-30 days, although it can vary between 21 and 35 days in healthy individuals.
• The phase of the cycle when there is blood discharge from the body is called menstruation, commonly known as 'the period'. This phase usually lasts for 3 to 7 days.
• Menstruation is a significant indicator of reproductive health in girls.
• Some girls may experience pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen during menstruation.
• Menstruation usually stops naturally between the ages of 45 and 55, marking the end of a woman's reproductive capability.

Breaking Myths about Menstruation: Unfortunately, many myths and taboos surround menstruation due to lack of understanding. Wrong beliefs can cause unnecessary fear, shame, or guilt. Practices like physical isolation of menstruating girls are common but have no scientific basis. Understanding menstruation as a natural biological process is vital for promoting good reproductive health for women and fostering a healthier societal outlook.

Beyond physical and reproductive changes, adolescence also brings about significant emotional and behavioural shifts.

6.3 Emotional And Behavioural Changes In Adolescents

During adolescence, individuals experience emotions more intensely than in childhood. These heightened emotions can lead to various changes in behaviour.

Activity 6.2: Let Us List

Thinking about changes in emotions and behaviour observed in adolescents over the past couple of years might reveal things like:

• Mood swings: Experiencing rapid shifts between feeling very happy, energetic, low, or irritable.
• Stronger emotions: Feelings of excitement, sadness, anger, or confusion become more pronounced.
• Increased sensitivity: Being more affected by others' opinions or interactions.
• Self-exploration: Developing new interests, hobbies, or a desire to understand oneself better.
• Changes in social behaviour: Increased interaction with peers, sometimes mimicking their behaviour, or developing deeper connections.
• Involvement in social initiatives: Stronger emotions might drive interest in helping others or contributing to social causes.

These emotional changes can profoundly influence behaviour, sometimes leading to confusion, but also opening doors to creativity, innovation, or increased compassion and involvement in social work. Understanding how emotions impact our actions helps in making thoughtful decisions and responding wisely to different situations.

6.4 Making Adolescence A Joyful Experience

Adolescence is a period filled with heightened curiosity and new perspectives. Adopting good habits and making thoughtful choices during this time can significantly contribute to overall well-being.

6.4.1 Meeting Nutritional Needs

Since adolescence is a time of rapid growth and physical development, having a nutritious and balanced diet is extremely important (as learned in the Grade 6 chapter on mindful eating).

Adequate intake of essential nutrients supports physical growth, provides energy for activities, and helps the body prepare for adulthood.

Activity 6.3: Let Us List

Here are some examples of food sources, the key nutrients they provide, and their functions during growth and development:

Food Sources	Nutrients Provided	Functions for Growth and Development
Milk, millets, curd, cheese, paneer	Calcium, Proteins, Fats, Vitamins (e.g., Vitamin D), Minerals (e.g., Phosphorus)	Help in optimal bone growth and strength, build tissues, provide energy.
Spinach, kidney beans, dried fruits (raisins, figs)	Iron, Vitamins (e.g., Vitamin C, Vitamin B12), Minerals (e.g., Folate)	Help in the formation of blood (hemoglobin), prevent anaemia, important for energy levels.
Pulses, eggs, meat, fish, nuts	Proteins, Fats, Vitamins, Minerals	Essential for proper growth and repair of tissues, gaining strength, and improving energy levels.
Cereals (wheat, rice), potatoes, sugar	Carbohydrates	Primary source of energy for daily activities.
Fruits and vegetables	Vitamins, Minerals, Fiber	Support overall health, boost immunity, aid digestion.

Science and Society: Iron and Vitamin B12 deficiencies can lead to health problems, especially in adolescent girls (like anaemia). Consuming iron-rich foods (green leafy vegetables, pulses, jaggery) and foods fortified with Vitamin B12, and sometimes supplements, can help manage these deficiencies. Government schemes like the Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS), Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK), and Suvidha Sanitary Napkin Initiative aim to improve health, awareness, and access to resources for adolescents, particularly regarding nutrition and menstrual hygiene.

Know a Scientist: Dorothy Hodgkin, a Nobel laureate, was renowned for determining the structure of important biological molecules, including Vitamin B12, highlighting the scientific effort behind understanding essential nutrients.

6.4.2 Personal Hygiene

Maintaining cleanliness is vital during adolescence, particularly in areas like armpits and the pubic region, to prevent potential infections due to increased body activity and secretions.

For girls, proper menstrual hygiene is crucial for comfort, health, and dignity. This involves using clean sanitary products (like pads or reusable cloth pads) and disposing of them properly by wrapping and discarding in a dustbin. Biodegradable options are available to reduce environmental impact. Societal efforts to reduce stigma and ensure availability of facilities and products are essential for promoting menstrual hygiene.

Science and Society: Government initiatives like MHS, RKSK, and Suvidha Sanitary Napkin Initiative focus on providing affordable or free sanitary pads and conducting awareness programs to improve menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls and women, especially in rural areas.

6.4.3 Physical Activities

Engaging in regular exercise, sports, or other physical activities is extremely beneficial during adolescence. Physical activity helps keep your body fit, builds stamina, manages weight, and also positively impacts your mental health and mood.

6.4.4 Balanced Social Life

Adolescence involves significant interaction with peers and navigating social relationships. Building a balanced social life requires thoughtfulness and responsibility, whether interacting in person or through digital platforms.

Modern technology offers online platforms for connecting, learning, and sharing information. While these are valuable resources, it's important to use them responsibly for the collective good. Careless use of social media can lead to negative consequences. Seeking guidance from elders and teachers can help adolescents use these platforms positively.

Science and Society: Cyberbullying, which involves harassing others online through misleading messages, rumours, or unauthorized sharing of personal information, is a serious issue. If you experience or witness cyberbullying, it's crucial not to panic but to handle it wisely and seek support from parents, teachers, or other trusted adults. Be cautious about sharing personal photos or information with strangers online to protect your privacy and safety.

Activity 6.4: Let Us Spread Awareness

Creating awareness about responsible online behaviour is important. Here are some key 'Dos and Don'ts' for using social media:

Dos	Don'ts
Be respectful and kind in interactions.	Do not post hurtful or offensive comments.
Think before posting – consider the impact of your words and images.	Do not participate in spreading rumours or false information.
Protect your privacy settings.	Do not share personal photos or information with strangers or virtual friends.
Report cyberbullying or harmful content to the platform and a trusted adult.	Do not respond negatively to cyberbullying; seek help instead.

6.4.5 Avoiding Harmful Substances—Learn To Say No

During adolescence, curiosity and peer influence can sometimes lead to exposure to harmful substances like tobacco, gutka, cigarettes, beedi, alcohol, or illegal drugs. It is critical to understand the dangers of these substances.

These substances pose serious risks to both physical and mental health, potentially causing breathing problems, memory loss, and severe damage to organs like the lungs.

Furthermore, many of these substances are addictive. Addiction means developing a strong, compulsive need to use the substance repeatedly. Substance abuse often begins with just one instance and can quickly lead to regular use, making it difficult to stop.

To maintain your health and future, it is vital to completely avoid these substances. Practice saying 'NO' firmly and confidently if ever offered or pressured to try them.

If someone struggles with substance abuse, seeking help is the first step towards recovery. Support from family, friends, teachers, counseling, and medical professionals can make a significant difference. Remember, making healthy choices is within your control.

Science and Society: The Government of India's "Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan" aims to raise awareness about substance abuse prevention, particularly among youth. The National De-addiction Helpline (14446) provides support for individuals dealing with drug addiction.

6.5 The ‘Why’ Question For Adolescence

You might wonder why all these profound changes happen during the adolescent stage.

Many of the physical, biological, and emotional changes that occur during adolescence, including puberty and menstruation, are primarily controlled by chemical substances produced within the body called hormones.

Hormones are like chemical messengers. They are produced by specific glands in the body and are released into the bloodstream. They travel to different target organs or tissues, where they regulate various processes related to growth, development, metabolism, and even mood and behaviour. The release of hormones is often triggered by signals from the brain.

Understanding that these changes are a normal, biologically driven process can help adolescents and their families navigate this stage more effectively. By staying informed, seeking support when needed, and making positive lifestyle choices, adolescents build a strong foundation for healthy adulthood.

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In a Nutshell:

• Adolescence is the transitional period from childhood to adulthood, typically spanning ages 10 to 19.
• It is characterized by significant physical, biological, emotional, and behavioural changes.
• Puberty is the stage within adolescence where the body matures and becomes capable of reproduction.
• Secondary sexual characteristics are features that distinguish males from females but are not directly involved in reproduction (e.g., voice change, body hair patterns, breast development); they emerge during puberty.
• The onset of the menstrual cycle and menstruation (blood discharge, approx. every 28-30 days) is a key biological change indicating reproductive maturity in adolescent girls. Menstruation typically stops between 45-55 years of age.
• Adolescence involves notable emotional shifts and changes in behaviour, including mood swings and heightened sensitivity.
• Maintaining a healthy diet, practicing good personal hygiene (including menstrual hygiene for girls), and engaging in regular physical activities are crucial for well-being during adolescence.
• Avoiding harmful and addictive substances like tobacco, alcohol, and drugs is essential for long-term health. Learning to confidently say 'NO' is vital.
• The changes during adolescence are largely regulated by chemical substances called hormones, produced in the body.
• Awareness, proper guidance, and support help adolescents manage the challenges and opportunities of this stage.

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