Puberty

Quick links

• Puberty
• Early onset of puberty
• Changes during puberty
• Physical
• Emotional
• Social
  
• Teaching tips
• Professional development
• Relevant GDHR learning activities
  
• Resources
• Frequently asked questions
  

Puberty

• The word 'puberty' is derived from the Latin word pubertas, meaning adulthood.

• Puberty can begin as early as 9 years of age or as late as 15 years of age.
  
• Up to age 8 or 9, there is little physical difference between boys and girls. By 10 or 11 years of age girls begin a growth spurt. Boys begin their growth spurt later, about 12 or 13 years of age. The ages at which these changes begin, and their rate of growth, vary enormously.

• Other physical changes, such as acne and obesity, add to the turmoil and stress that puberty can cause adolescents.

Early onset of puberty

Development of breasts and pubic hair in girls aged 6 and 7 (Kaplowitz et al., 1999, below) is no longer viewed as abnormal, although it may be concerning to parents.

There are several factors that can contribute to the early onset of puberty: 

• Endocrine disorder 
• Familial associations 
• Abnormalities in the ovaries, testicles or adrenal glands 
• Structural problems in the brain 
• Tumors that release hormones (oestrogen, testosterone, etc.) 
• High percentage of body fat

Changes during puberty

Physical changes

Testosterone and oestrogen are responsible for the major physical changes called secondary sex characteristics. The specific effects of each hormone are outlined below.

Oestrogen

• Growth of the breast and breast tissue
• Growth of fatty and supporting tissue on hips and buttocks
• Growth of underarm and pubic hair
• Growth of vagina, uterus and enlargement of pelvis
• Skeletal growth
• Onset of menstruation
• Sexual arousal

Testosterone

• Growth of larynx causing a deepening of the voice
• Growth of hair on the face, body and genital region
• Skeletal and muscular growth
• Sperm production
• Sweat gland production
• Sexual arousal
• Growth and enlargement of the penis and testicles

Emotional changes

• Adolescence is a time of physical, social and emotional maturation. Biological, social, emotional and intellectual growth of an adolescent is not synchronised.
• Early adolescence: Adolescents begin to detach themselves from family, grow rapidly and become concerned with their body and body image.
• Late adolescence: Adolescents are fully autonomous human beings with their own values systems. They are becoming more emotionally independent from their family, developing varied relationships with peers and possibly a closer relationship with a single individual.

Social Changes

• See Adolescent Relationships
  

Teaching tips

• The topic of puberty may be an exciting and interesting topic for some, but be mindful also that some students may feel embarrassed, uncomfortable or terrified learning how their bodies are going to be changing. Increase the comfort of students through introducing this topic with fun activities. For example, the game "head and shoulders, knees and toes" can be used to link the concept of body parts, growth and reproductive body parts.
  
• Be aware that some parents may not be comfortable with their children participating in sexual and reproductive health classes. It is strongly recommended that teachers speak to the parents and explain the topics that will be covered such as healthy relationships, puberty, hygiene, etc. and that you are not teaching their child to have "sex". There are resources for parents provided by the Department of Health.
• If you are using an educational video students can often be distracted if the videos are obviously out of date, as evidenced by the clothes, hair styles and quality of the video, although this could be used to add humour to the experience. Ensure that any multimedia used is current, relevant, appropriate and sufficient time is allocated for a discussion afterwards.
• Many teachers ask the question of whether or not they should separate the boys and the girls for such classes. Research shows that there is no significant difference for either strategy. You may choose to separate your class by gender, keep them all together or mix strategies by separating your class for certain activities. 
• If you do choose to separate the sexes, ensure that both groups receive the same information. It is just as important for students to learn about their changing bodies as it is for them to learn what the other sex is going through in order to promote compassion. Remember when making this decision that all students need to overcome any potential discomfort in order to be able to effectively communicate sexual matters in relationships when they are older.

• Assure students that everyone goes through puberty at exactly the right time for them and that this may be different for everyone.

• Young women should be encouraged to continue on with sports and physical activity during their periods.

• Puberty kits

  The use of a puberty kit can be a useful tool in the classroom. Check with your school's public health nurse to see if there are any kits already made, and available. Alternatively, pictures of each of these items are available to be printed off. The learning activitiy 2.14 Puberty Kit has further instructions.

Professional development

• Teaching Puberty: You Can Do It! DVD (Free)
  "Teaching Puberty: You Can Do It!" is a new, unique DVD resource developed by Toronto Public Health in Canada. This is a teacher training resource, to be used by staff in preparation for teaching grade 4-6 puberty classes. It consists of discussion and modelling of the four basic sessions, interviews with experts discussing challenging issues, and a text resource section.

Relevant GDHR learning activities

• Males and Females
• Similar or Different

• Changes At Puberty
• Puberty Kit
  
• Menstruation
• Talking About Growing Up
  

Other relevant learning activities

            Middle Childhood (year 4-7)

• Beyond The Basics (Canada)- Module 3: Puberty & Reproductive Health p.63
  

Resources

There are a number of excellent resources for students on this topic.

Books

• "Girls and Puberty" and "Boys and Puberty" booklets by the WA Department of Health. Resource Ordering (WA Department of Health)