Social and emotional changes in boys and girls during puberty

Social changes:

• Starting to think independently.
• Starting to have sexual feelings.
• Friends may matter more than they used to (what they wear, do, how they speak and use slang language…).
• Mood changes and need for privacy.
• Concern about body image, needs to be seen as socially acceptable.
• Need to argue on social sanctions and laws.
• Questioning authority including parental supervision.
• Argumentative and assertive behaviors become evident and often disturb parents and teachers.
• Extremism in positions.

Emotional changes:

Emotional disturbances may emerge during adolescence, in addition to depression or anxiety, adolescents with emotional disorders can also experience excessive irritability, frustration and anger. Protective measures for adolescent’s mental health include: Eating well, exercising, sleeping well, drinking enough water, avoiding smoking, alcohol and drugs, learning suitable skills, attending vocational training, believing in their own values and identifying a role model.