Adolescence is a time of rapid change including:
Physical Development
for example, growth spurt and sexual maturation
Cognitive Development
for example, evidence suggests brain development continues up to age 25
Emotional Development
for example, identity, self-esteem, and resilience
Social Development
for example, peer influences, sexual identity
Behavioural Development
for example, risk taking and the beginning of lifelong behaviours
Young people experience significant physical, psychological and behavioural changes as they progress to adulthood. Appropriate and timely support for young people on their journey to adulthood is essential to ensure future health and wellbeing.
PHYSICAL HEALTH
Keeping healthy is important, no matter our age. Being physically healthy can improve brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles and improve our ability to do everyday activities.
Resources:
The NHS Healthier Together website provides lots of information relating to adolescent children’s health.
Health and Well-being Plymouth – provides links to local partner organisations who provide information or offers to support positive health and wellbeing for children, young people and families.
MENTAL HEALTH
We all have mental health, just like we all have physical health. It’s about how we think, feel and act. Sometimes we feel well, and sometimes we don’t. When our mental health is good, we feel motivated and able to take on challenges and new experiences. But when our mental health is not so good, we can find it much harder to cope.
Resources:
Suicide Awareness Plymouth
Children and Young People’s Mental Health
Pete’s Dragons, a local charity which supports those who have been affected by suicide.
SEXUAL HEALTH
Sexual Health is an important part of adolescent development. Starting sexual activity, when lacking adequate understanding of protection, places adolescents at higher risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Resources:
Relationships, sex and health education: guides for parents -This website has guides for parents and carers to talk to their child about relationships, sex and health education.
NSPCC – Sexual behaviour in children – This website focuses on sexual behaviours in adolescent children and advice for parents on healthy and unhealthy sexual behaviour, including what to do if you’re worried.
Healthier Together – If you want to work through sexual health resources aimed at your adolescent child, this website is a great place to go.