Adolescence: A Stage of Growth & Change

Ramesh, an 11-year-old boy, developed a few pimples on his face. His mother told him that this is because of ongoing biological changes in his body.

1. What could be the possible reasons for the development of these pimples on his face?
2. What can he do to get some relief from these pimples?

Answer

1. During adolescence, the oily secretions from the skin increase. These secretions may clog the skin pores and lead to infections, causing acne. Pimples are a common sign of acne.
2. Ramesh should maintain proper personal hygiene by washing his face regularly and keeping his skin clean.

Which of the following food groups would be a better option for adolescents and why?

Answer

The second food group, which is a balanced meal containing chapati, dal, rice, and vegetables, is a better option for adolescents.

Adolescence is a period of rapid growth and development. A balanced diet provides proteins and carbohydrates for growth and energy, along with adequate fats, vitamins, and minerals. The first food group mainly contains fast or junk foods and is not a balanced option for meeting the nutritional needs of adolescents.

Unscramble the underlined word in the following sentences:

1. The discharge of blood in adolescent girls which generally occurs every 28–30 days is nstmnoiaretu.
2. The hoarseness in the voice of adolescent boys is due to enlarged iceov xob.
3. Secondary sexual characteristics are natural signs that the body is preparing for adulthood and mark the onset of urtypeb.
4. We should say NO to lahoclo and srugd as they are addictive.

Answer

1. Menstruation
2. Voice box
3. Puberty
4. Alcohol and drugs

Shalu told her friend, "Adolescence brings only physical changes, like growing taller or developing body hair." Is she correct? What would you change in this description of adolescence?

Answer

No, Shalu is not correct.

Adolescence does not bring only physical changes such as growing taller or developing body hair. Along with these physical changes, adolescence is also marked by changes related to reproductive capability, as well as emotional and behavioural changes. These changes are mainly controlled by hormones. So, the description should be corrected to state that adolescence brings physical, emotional, and behavioural changes, along with the changes that prepare the body for reproduction.

During a discussion in the class, some of the students raised the following points. What questions would you ask them to check the correctness of these points?

1. Adolescents do not need to worry about behavioural changes.
2. If someone tries a harmful substance once, they can stop anytime they want.

Answer

1. Do adolescents not experience emotional and behavioural changes such as mood swings and stronger emotions? Is it not important to understand how these emotions influence our behaviour and actions?
2. Are harmful substances not addictive? If a person who is addicted today started with 'just one time', can someone really stop using such substances anytime they want?

Adolescents sometimes experience mood swings. On some days, they feel very energetic and happy, while on other days, they may feel low. What other behavioural changes are associated with this age?

Answer

Apart from mood swings, adolescents may experience the following emotional and behavioural changes:

1. Stronger emotions and increased sensitivity.
2. Greater self-exploration and interest in new areas.
3. Increased creativity and involvement in new activities.
4. Greater compassion and participation in social activities to help others.

While using a toilet, Mohini noticed that used sanitary pads were scattered near the bin. She got upset and shared her feelings with her friends. They discussed the importance of menstrual hygiene and healthy sanitary habits. What menstrual hygiene and sanitary habits would you suggest to your friends?

Answer

The following menstrual hygiene and sanitary habits can be suggested:

1. Maintain proper hygiene during menstruation for both comfort and health.
2. Use items such as sanitary pads or reusable cloth pads designed for this purpose.
3. Change the sanitary pads regularly.
4. Disposing used sanitary pads properly by wrapping them in a newspaper and putting them inside a dustbin.
5. Biodegradable sanitary pads can be used as they are environment-friendly.

Mary and Manoj were classmates and good friends. On turning 11, Mary developed a little bulge on the front of her neck. She visited the doctor who gave her medication and asked to take iodine-rich diet. Similarly, a bump was developed on the front of Manoj's neck when he turned 12. However, the doctor told him that it was a part of growing up. According to you, what could be the possible reason for advising Mary and Manoj differently?

Answer

Mary's neck swelling was likely related to iodine deficiency. Therefore, the doctor gave her medication and advised her to take an iodine-rich diet.

The bump on Manoj's neck was the Adam's apple. During adolescence, the voice box (larynx) grows in boys and can be seen as a bump in the throat region called the Adam's apple. Since this is a normal change that takes place while growing up, the doctor told Manoj that it was a part of growing up.

During adolescence, the boys and girls undergo certain physical changes, a few of which are given below.

1. Change in voice
2. Development of breasts
3. Growth of moustache
4. Growth of facial hair
5. Pimples on the face
6. Growth of hair in the pubic region
7. Growth of hair in armpits

Categorise these changes in the table given below:

Answer

Physical changes during adolescence

Prepare a poster mentioning the tips for adolescents to live a healthy lifestyle.

Answer

A poster on a healthy lifestyle for adolescents can include the following tips:

1. Eat a balanced and nutritious diet containing proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
2. Maintain good personal hygiene. Girls should also maintain proper menstrual hygiene.
3. Exercise regularly and participate in games and sports to keep the body and mind fit.
4. Be respectful towards others and use social media responsibly.
5. Say 'NO' to harmful and addictive substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and drugs.