About puberty

When does it happen?

The time that puberty starts will be different for everyone, but it usually happens between the ages of 9 and 16. However some people may start changing earlier or later than this and this is normal too. Because we are all different, there is no ‘right’ or ‘normal’ way to go through puberty, and it can be helpful to know that not everyone develops at the same rate or in exactly the same way. It is also important to remember that everyone feels worried at some point about how they are changing!

What will it feel like?

As your body matures you may feel more self-conscious, because your appearance will change as different bits of you develop and grow. For example, some people will suddenly grow taller, or some might find their feet get a lot bigger, or they develop breasts before everyone else. Even your skin changes as you go through puberty, which is why lots of people get spots when they are a teenager.

Emotions

Your mind also matures when you are going through puberty, and you will probably find yourself experiencing new feelings and emotions. This can be confusing, as your feelings may go up and down, and be different from one day to the next. Also your relationships with friends, parents, and brothers and sisters may change. Another thing that happens is that you might find yourself becoming more interested in having a boyfriend or girlfriend, or find that you fancy or have a crush on someone.

This can feel very exciting, but it can also cause worry if you feel no-one wants to go out with you or that everyone else has more experience than you. It is important to know that it does not matter when you have your first kiss, boyfriend or girlfriend, as you have the rest of your life to learn about sex and relationships!

Different for boys and girls

Whilst everyone might get spotty, suddenly taller, or embarrassed as they go through puberty there are some changes that depend on your sex - whether you're male or female.