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Adolescence: A Stage of
Growth and Change
7th Science curiosity/Samyans academy
Adolescence is a period of rapid growth and development occurring
between ages 10-19. During this time, the body undergoes significant
physical, emotional, and behavioral changes as it prepares for
adulthood.
by sandeep swamy
The Journey of Life
1
Infancy
Birth to early childhood
2 Childhood
Early development years
3
Adolescence
Rapid growth and development (10-19 years)
4 Adulthood
Maturity and reproductive capability
5
Old Age
Later stages of life
Physical Changes During Adolescence
Height
Significant increase in height
becomes more prominent during
adolescence.
Body Structure
Boys develop broader shoulders and
wider chests. Girls develop breasts.
Voice
Boys develop deeper, sometimes
hoarse voice due to growth of voice
box (Adam's apple).
Secondary Sexual
Characteristics
Hair Growth
Hair appears in armpits and
pubic region. Boys develop
facial hair, moustache, and
beard.
Skin Changes
Acne and pimples may
appear due to increased oily
secretions from skin.
Voice Changes
Voice box grows, causing voice changes, more noticeable in boys.
Understanding Puberty
What is Puberty?
The stage when the body
undergoes changes to develop
into an adult capable of
reproduction.
Secondary Sexual
Characteristics
Natural signs that the body is
preparing for adulthood,
helping distinguish males from
females.
Individual Variations
Timing, nature, and extent of changes vary among individuals.
These variations are normal.
Menstrual Cycle
1
2
3
4
Onset
Begins during adolescence, a sign of
reproductive maturity in girls.
Duration
Generally recurs every 28-30 days,
though healthy cycles can range
from 21-35 days.
Menstruation
Blood discharge lasting 3-7 days,
sometimes with abdominal
discomfort.
End
Naturally stops around age 45-55,
marking the end of reproductive
capability.
Breaking Myths About
Menstruation
Natural Process
Menstruation is a
natural biological
process, not
something to fear or
be ashamed of.
Scientific
Outlook
Encouraging scientific
understanding helps
eliminate harmful
myths and taboos.
Reproductive
Health
Good menstrual
hygiene promotes
overall reproductive
health for women.
Emotional Changes in Adolescence
Mood Swings Strong Emotions Increased
Sensitivity
Self-Consciousness Identity Exploration
Adolescence brings stronger emotions than childhood. These emotions influence behavior and can lead to both challenges
and opportunities for personal growth.
Positive Emotional
Development
Creative Expression
Engage in music, dance, or arts to channel emotions
positively.
Compassion
Develop empathy and understanding for others' feelings.
Social Involvement
Participate in community service and social initiatives.
Self-Awareness
Understand your emotions and how they influence your
actions.
Nutritional Needs During
Adolescence
Food Sources Nutrients Functions
Milk, millets, curd,
cheese, paneer
Calcium, proteins,
fats
Optimal bone
growth, energy
Eggs, meat,
legumes
Proteins Proper growth,
strength, energy
Spinach, kidney
beans, dried fruits
Iron Blood formation,
preventing anemia
Iron Deficiency Awareness
1M
Cases
Adolescents affected by iron
deficiency globally
50%
Higher Risk
Girls at greater risk due to
menstrual blood loss
3x
Improvement
Better academic performance
with proper iron levels
Personal Hygiene During
Adolescence
Regular Bathing
Especially important
due to increased
sweat and oil
production.
Oral Hygiene
Brush twice daily and
floss regularly.
Hand Washing
Frequent hand
washing prevents
spread of infections.
Clean Clothes
Change
undergarments daily
and wear clean
clothes.
Menstrual Hygiene Management
Sanitary Products
Use clean sanitary pads or reusable
cloth pads designed for menstruation.
Proper Disposal
Wrap used pads in newspaper and
dispose in a dustbin.
Eco-Friendly Options
Consider biodegradable sanitary pads
that are environment-friendly.
Government Initiatives for
Menstrual Hygiene
Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS)
Free or reduced-price sanitary pads for rural adolescent girls, plus
awareness programs.
Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK)
Improves overall adolescent health, including menstrual health
and hygiene through peer education.
Suvidha Sanitary Napkin Initiative
Affordable biodegradable sanitary pads through Jan
Aushadhi Kendras.
State-Level Programs
Various schemes like 'Shuchi Scheme' in Karnataka and
free sanitary napkin distribution in Tamil Nadu and
Odisha.
Physical Activities for Adolescents
Regular exercise and physical activities keep your body and mind fit, build stamina, and boost mood.
Balanced Social Life
Mutual Respect
Be polite and respectful in all interactions
Healthy Communication
Express thoughts clearly and listen to others
Positive Relationships
Build supportive connections with peers
Family Bonds
Maintain strong connections with family
Responsible Social Media Use
Protect Privacy
Never share personal information with strangers
Think Before Posting
Consider the impact of your content
Be Kind Online
Practice respect and empathy in digital spaces
Limit Screen Time
Balance online activities with real-world interactions
Avoiding Harmful Substances
Health Risks
Substances like tobacco, alcohol, and drugs cause serious
health problems including breathing difficulties and lung
damage.
Addiction Dangers
These substances are addictive. What starts as "just one
time" can lead to dependency and regular use.
Learn to say NO firmly
Resist peer pressure
Seek help if needed
The Role of Hormones
Brain Signals
The brain sends signals to release
hormones at appropriate times.
Physical Development
Hormones regulate growth and
development during adolescence.
Reproductive Changes
Hormones trigger puberty and
reproductive maturity.
Emotional Influence
Some hormones affect mood and
behavior during adolescence.
Navigating Adolescence Successfully
Balanced Diet
Eat nutritious foods rich in calcium, protein, and iron.
Personal Hygiene
Maintain cleanliness, especially during menstruation.
Regular Exercise
Stay active through sports and physical activities.
Seek Guidance
Talk to trusted adults about changes and challenges.