How the Timing of Puberty Affects Adolescents and Young Teens
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. |Girls who mature early:||Boys who
mature early:| |Advantages of maturing early|| |Disadvantages of
maturing early|| |Girls who mature late:||Boys who mature late:|
|Advantages of maturing late|| |Disadvantages of maturing late||
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