As teens grow into adults they may change their attitudes and examine their values. Peer pressure as well as messages from the media can influence these choices. There is a wide individual variation in the timing of puberty and in the appearance of various secondary sex characteristics. Both boys and girls need assurance that they are normal. This may be particularly true of adolescents who mature earlier or later than the norm.
Puberty can be a time of poor body image.
Unrealistic ideas about their bodies can lead to questionable behavior in some teens, such as crash dieting and excessive exercise, including strenuous weight- lifting programs. Class discussions about these topics may help guide teens. All the physical, emotional, intellectual, and social changes that occur during puberty can be confusing to teens. This time can be especially troubling if adolescents do not understand what is happening to their bodies. Discussing the facts about puberty, as well as values and attitudes toward related changes, can help make the adjustment easier to handle.