Dr Asha Pemberton
teenhealth.tt@gmail.com
Adolescence marks a time of great changes in physical development. It is the time when young people question the changes in their bodies, wonder if they are 'normal' and often compare themselves to their friends or images seen on social media. While the majority of tweens and teens will proceed through puberty normally, some will experience concerns. Those issues can range from simple questions about the progress of puberty to medical diagnoses or the psychological impact of puberty on self-esteem and body image. It is therefore very important for parents and young people to understand common concerns and issues related to physical development. This assists them in being more comfortable asking questions and seeking support when needed.
Beginning too early or too late
Young people who experience pubertal development too early or too late may get teased and develop body image concerns. Some research demonstrates that boys who mature earlier tend to be more socially popular and independent, but are also at a greater risk for early sexual activity and other impulsive behaviours.
Early developing girls may face increased bullying, which can contribute to being self-conscious. They are also at higher risk for depression and due to their more adult bodies are vulnerably to victimisation and abuse by adult predators. For young people who experience conflicts about their gender identity, early puberty can unleash extreme emotional reactions, anxiety and depression.
Conversely, girls and boys who develop more slowly than peers may feel self-conscious about their lack of physical development. This can lead to negative feelings and in some cases difficulties keeping up in sport and activity due to smaller physical stature.
For young people who show no signs of pubertal development whatsoever, there may be serious medical conditions that require prompt diagnosis and treatment. There should be no delay in seeking health care evaluation.
Body image and self care
While it is normal to feel a little self-conscious about appearance from time to time, parents should become concerned when tweens and teens constantly compare themselves to peers and images they see and then put undue pressure on themselves to achieve an idealised and often unrealistic appearance.
In addition, if they start displaying behaviours of constant concealing, odd eating behaviours, refusal to engage in activities and even outright reclusiveness, these can indicate conditions which require management, including body dysmorphic disorder or eating disorders.
Parents can help teens gain a healthy sense of body image by highlighting and focussing on positive traits and strengths that have nothing to do with their bodies or appearance. Model that you appreciate your own body and its imperfections and that overall qualities that make you unique.
General physical changes
It is impossible not to notice the general changes of puberty, which include skin changes (acne), strong body odour an
