Because adolescence is a critical time of emotional and social development, adolescents have an opportunity to learn crucial interpersonal skills. Alcohol and other drugs, which impair the developmental process, should be avoided by adolescents. Physical Changes During Adolescence Adolescence is the time when young people go through the physical, emotional and social changes that end in adulthood. Puberty refers to the physical changes that occur during adolescence. During puberty, secondary sex characteristics appear, and the reproductive structures mature.
Puberty begins because male and female hormones are released into the bloodstream.
During puberty, both boys and girls will grow quickly, perspire more, have body odor and develop oily skin and some pimples. Many adolescents have concerns about whether their experiences are normal. Girls may worry that one breast is larger than the other. Boys may worry that their penises are too small. Such concerns are common and can be easily addressed by accessing valid sources of information, such as knowledgeable adults, books, pamphlets, health care providers and Websites.