Characteristics of Adolescents

“Didactics of English for Secondary School”
3 año Profesorado de Ingles – Prof. Luis Molina
CLASS 5 (theory) UNIT 2:

"Adolescents”
CHARACTERISTICS OF ADOLESCENTS
Adolescence is a unique, vital, and exciting time for growth and development
in a young person’s life, a time during which they experience many
developmental milestones1 marking their transition from childhood into
adulthood. While in the past it was common to think of adolescence as a stage
of life characterized by inevitable “storm and stress,” the modern view
recognizes adolescence as a normal, healthy developmental process. Not
every young person will experience or handle this development in the exact
same way, but there are a number of normal development tasks that each
teenager will face, including changes in physical, cognitive, emotional, social,
language, career, and spiritual life. A teenager goes through three separate
sub-stages of adolescence: early (12–14 years), middle (15–17 years), and late
(18–21 years) adolescence. Understanding what changes occur during each of
these periods will enable adults to better understand, connect, and
communicate with teens. The following information describes normal
development, feelings, and behaviors that the vast majority of young people
will experience during adolescence, and will be helpful information for those
working with teens.
1
/ˈmaɪlˌstəʊn/ an event or achievement that marks an important stage in a process
EARLY ADOLESCENCE (12–14 YEARS)
In this stage both boys and girls are experiencing the onset of puberty caused by
hormonal changes, with girls generally starting puberty on average two years earlier
than boys. Changes common to both genders during puberty include tremendous
growth spurts2 resulting in increased height and weight, maturity of organs needed
for reproduction, and visible physical changes. For girls, puberty means body fat
increases, breast enlargement, growth of pubic and underarm hair, start of their first
menstrual period, widened hips, and possible appearance of acne. For boys the
physical changes include growth of facial, pubic, and body hair, enlargement of
testes and penis, increased muscle size and bone structure, cracking 3voice and
deepening of vocal chords, and possible appearance of acne.
• Changes in the language

field allow for improved
abilities to use speech to
express oneself and
understand sarcasm and
irony, meaning
adolescents will naturally
become better at arguing
and questioning what they
are told by parents,
teachers, and peers.
• The changes occurring to their body during this stage may cause adolescents
to feel awkward4 and selfconscious, causing teens to balance their high self-
expectations with low self-esteem5.
• During this time adolescents experience increased moodiness6 as they
search for their identity, which is mostly driven by peer pressure and the
strong need for conformity and acceptance. Individuals with similar
behaviors, interests, and attitudes tend to form peer groups, but not
necessarily close friendships.
• Increased independence from parents becomes important as adolescents
will spend less time with their family and more time with peers. This can lead
to conflict because adolescents begin to show less affection toward their
parents, and, frequently, an increase in rudeness.
• Youth may start experimenting with alcohol, tobacco, and drug use.
• Interest in the same or opposite sex occurs and may involve dating in groups
2
/spɜː(r)t/ a sudden strong flow of a liquid
3
/ˈkrækɪŋ/ very fast
4
/ˈɔːkwə(r)d/ embarrasing
5
the feeling that you are as important as other people and that you deserve to be treated well
6
/ˈmuːdi/ Word used to describe someone who is easily upset
MIDDLE ADOLESCENCE (15–17 YEARS)
• Girls have typically completed full physical development while boys are
reaching their peak and are close to finishing their physical growth. As muscle
mass increases in males, so does body satisfaction. However, many teenage
girls become dissatisfied with their bodies and weight due to the increase in
body fat. Some teens may even resort to eating disorders in an attempt to
feel better about their bodies.
• Teens become better at everyday planning and decision making. They are
capable of understanding the consequences of their behavior and planning
for their future. However, these skills are often used inconsistently by teens,
who sometimes act first and think later.
• Dating relationships become more intimate and there is increased interest in
sexual experimentation. Teens are more likely to be sexually active during
this sub-stage.
• An awareness7 of personal sexual orientation develops with many teens
self-identifying as gay, lesbian, or bisexual by 16 years of age.
• Teens begin to question who they are and what they should do with their
lives. In attempts to answer these questions they begin to explore careers,
religion, philosophical and political issues, and social causes. This may
cause some to feel overwhelmed8 by the possibilities of their future with
regard to college and career.
• Parents are often viewed as interfering with a teen’s independence and teens
will question and challenge their parents’ rules, even resist their parents’
belief systems or cultural traditions.
• Older teens develop a stronger sense of self and rely less on the opinions of
others, allowing older teens to better resist peer pressure than younger
teens.
7
/əˈweə(r)nəs/ understanding of a subject, issue, or situation
8
/ˌəʊvə(r)ˈwelm/ To make someone feel a particular emotion or strong emotions
LATE ADOLESCENCE (18–21 YEARS)
• The biggest developmental milestone during this stage is the transition from
high school into postsecondary education or work
• Identity exploration is still occurring in regards to education, work, family role,
and personal relationships.
• Peer pressure does not have as great an impact on decisions and values
because improved cognitive abilities enable adolescents to consider and
respect different points of view. In addition, youth at this stage tend to relate
more to individual peers rather than groups.
• Adolescents have clearly established their sexual identity and are beginning
to develop serious intimate relationships.
• Most are sexually experienced and engage in casual sex with friends or
acquaintances. 9
• Youth at this stage have higher rates of alcohol and drug use than at any
other age with the major issue being the indulgence of binge10 drinking.
• Conflicts with parents tend to decrease as adolescents change their
relationships with parents in a way that balances independence with
connection.
9
/əˈkweɪntəns/ someone you know a little, who is not a close friend
10
/bɪndʒ/ an occasion when someone does too much of something they enjoy, such as drinking

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“Didactics of English for Secondary School”

3 año Profesorado de Ingles – Prof. Luis Molina

CLASS 5 (theory) UNIT 2:

EARLY ADOLESCENCE (12–14 YEARS)

• Changes in the language

MIDDLE ADOLESCENCE (15–17 YEARS)

LATE ADOLESCENCE (18–21 YEARS)

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