Shows more advanced capacity to reflect on relationships, e.g. can explain why people fall out and suggest how they might resolve interpersonal difficulties. friends on basis of shared interests and values. perceived competence in a variety of domains and their experiences of social support from adults and other children. The impact of abuse and neglect on children in this age group is as described above. As they get older, the effect of their traumatic experiences may become more noticeable in their general physical development, academic achievements, social relationships, and behaviours (see below). Age Sensory and physical Communication and interaction Cognition and learning Social, mental and emotional health 11 to 14 years Onset of puberty - physical and hormonal changes continue Outward signs of puberty appear with onset of menstruation (girls) and pubic hair (boys), and other changes in the body. Growing interest in sexual activity. Solo sex/masturbation is common, some experimentation with different partners. Shows awareness of romantic/sexual relationships - often swayed by peer group attitudes but shows emergent understanding that Growing awareness that friendship involves mutual concern and shared values; can describe ability to resolve conflicts within relationships e.g. via peer support action. May engage in anti-social activities and behavior - seek out cliques and gangs that reinforce this behaviour. Some show capacity to deal with peer pressure, e.g. refuse to engage in unwanted sexual activity or strategies to deal with online harassment, sexting etc. Emerging capacity to develop responsibility and autonomy Shifting from concrete to formal operational thinking. Can use hypothesis with scientific problem Recognises the process of dealing with peer pressure to experiment and take risks. Recognises tension between logical thinking about risks and experimenting with new experiences. Dramatic changes in Many experience anxiety about friendships and body image e.g. boys often anxious about penis size with unrealistic views on what is typical A period of storm and stress for some, but for many the transition to adolescence is relatively smooth. Identity formation is a key task. Some engage in anti-social activities and risky behavior - seek out cliques and gangs that reinforce this behaviour.
romance and intimacy integrate with sexual feelings and emotions. Some awareness of risks from partner violence, especially in context of pressure to be sexually active. Aware of emerging sexual orientation and risks and benefits of ‘coming out’ as gay, lesbian or bisexual. Some knowledge of health risks involved in excessive use of alcohol or drugs, or ‘initiation’ practices such as body-piercing and tattoos. in social networks, online and offline. Aware of boundaries between private and public spaces. Emerging awareness of conflict between pressure to conform to the opinions of peers and the need to form one’s own independent views. Able to discuss conflicting feelings, such as shame and guilt in context of relationships. Impact of abuse and neglect With age, the effect of abuse and neglect may become more noticeable in the young person’s general physical development, academic achievements, social relationships, self-concept and behaviours (see below). Age Sensory and physical Communication and interaction Cognition and learning Social, mental and emotional health 14 to 16 Onset of puberty is marked by profound physical and hormonal changes in the body. Early or late maturation can have psychological consequences, e.g. in earlier or later sexual activity; adolescents need reassurance that long-term Increasingly demonstrates ability to navigate a wider circle of friends, including online relationships. More aware of the values and interests they are looking for in friendships. More aware of cultural and ethnic identity; can describe in some detail attributes that Shift from the more concrete thinking of younger children to abstract reasoning. Growing capacity for logical reasoning and a greater ability to apply logic to decision-making and negotiation. Increasingly open to dialogues and debates on Self-concept evolves; adolescents typically pass through certain stages in identity formation. Cultural and ethnic identity is strongly influenced by the social context in which the young person is developing. Increasingly value intimate relationships - can be very