Adolescence is a developmental stage, occurring from age 11 to 21, which marks a child’s transition to young adulthood. It is generally a time of self-discovery in which young people aim to define their place in the world.

During adolescent development, children complete puberty and physical growth. They also develop important social, emotional and intellectual skills, while striving toward independence and autonomy.

Adolescence can be a challenging time for teenagers as well as their families. In the quest for independence, many adolescents start questioning parental authority and often show signs of rebelliousness, which can create family tension.

Teenagers also typically struggle with an increasing need to belong in society. As a result, many spend more time with friends than family. This allows teens to develop and practice social skills. However, it is also within this setting that adolescents may face issues regarding peer pressure, sexual intercourse and experimentation with alcohol and drugs.

For some adolescents, these common trials can be aggravated by ongoing factors, such as a dysfunctional family, inadequate education, living in poverty and/or high-crime neighborhoods. Feelings of stress, confusion and depression from circumstances related to family, academic and social life can overwhelm many young people. This sometimes can put adolescents at risk for dropping out of school, running away from home, joining gangs, developing substance abuse or dependence, having unprotected sex, committing suicide and other types of self-destructive behaviors.

However, many studies suggest that positive family relationships are a strong protective factor against these health risks and others, including sexually transmitted diseases, teenage pregnancy and obesity.

Family support and guidance can be an effective medium for promoting values, academic success and self-confidence in adolescents. Therefore, it is crucial that parents and other caring adults stay involved in the adolescent’s life.

Other tips for helping teens cope with adolescent development include, but are not limited to:

• Discuss important topics such as puberty, sex and the dangers of alcohol and drugs with teenagers early and frequently.
  
  
• Talk with adolescents often and encourage the expression of feelings and thoughts.
  
  
• Avoid being judgmental when teens open up about their experiences and feelings.

Parents and other caregivers can also better help teenagers achieve independence by becoming informed about healthy adolescent development as well as by learning how to find supportive resources for assistance when necessary. Individuals can find information on adolescence and adolescent development in books available at libraries or bookstores and on the Internet.