Page 190 - Health, Population and Environment Education 9

8.1 Introduction to Adolescence

No one is immortal in the world. Everyone of us
whoever has taken birth, has to die sooner or later.
Human beings have to pass different stages in life
from birth till death. For a year, after birth, there
remains infancy. Childhood remains till 10–12 years.
After then, there starts adolescence till 19 years. After
20 years, there starts adult stage and adulthood. Old
age starts after 60 years and ultimately people die.
Each of these stages of life has their own importance
and characteristics. Among them, adolescence is Fig: 1
very important stage in our life. It is the pathway for
adulthood. It can show positive aspect of life in future or divert to bad and wrong aspect
of life.
Adolescence is derived from the Latin word ‘adolescere’ which means to grow or to grow
to maturity. According to WHO, adolescence is the period ranging from (10–19) years as a
transition period from childhood to adulthood. It is also said as a span of years in which
both boys and girls move from childhood to adulthood physically, mentally, emotionally
and socially. According to group of psychologists, it is the period between which both
boys and girls are capable of bearing the children. But, there are variations in the onset and
span of adolescence. The onset of adolescence varies from culture to culture depending
on nutrition, race, sex, climatic condition, socio–economic condition, etc. It is divided into
various stages. The stages and span of adolescence are shown in the following table.
Table: Stages of Adolescence
Stages In boys In girls
Pre – adolescence (Puberty) (10 – 14) years (8 – 12) years
Middle adolescence (14 – 17) years (12 – 16) years
Late adolescence 17 years 16 years

Adolescence is very important period in one’s life. It is characterized by transitional period,
a period of change, age of problems, period of mental discomfort, search for identities and
quick response towards the attitudes and behaviours. Moreover, they begin to concentrate
on such works which are supposed to be the activities of adult like smoking, drinking
alcohol, taking drugs, getting involved into sexual activities and relationships.
Adolescence is even called as the period of stress and storm. During the storm, there is
immediate and rapid blowing of wind. The fast movement of wind blows away roofs,
destroys windows, doors, topples down vehicles, uproots the trees, falls down poles,
deposits wastes, etc. Within short period of time, things get dilapidated in the surroundings
and the environment is totally changed. But after some period of destruction, environment
remains quiet and calm. In the same way, adolescents have also quick responses for many
things. They get angry very fast and without thinking much, they get into action. That
might cause the result into their opposition. When the result is against them, they get
frustrated soon. However, they realize their mistakes and remain quiet and calm even
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