Chapter 6: Adolescence — A Stage of Growth & Change
Ages 10–19 • Physical • Emotional • Social • Responsible Choices
🧠🫀🗣️⚽🥗📱
🗝️20 Most-Important Words (Meanings in Simple Hindi)
| Word | Meaning (Hindi) |
|---|---|
| Adolescence | बचपन से वयस्क बनने के बीच का समय (लगभग 10–19 वर्ष) जब तेज़ बदलाव होते हैं। |
| Puberty | शरीर में ऐसे बदलावों की अवस्था जब बच्चा प्रजनन योग्य वयस्क बनने की ओर बढ़ता है। |
| Secondary sexual characteristics | ऐसे लक्षण जो लड़का/लड़की को अलग पहचान देते हैं, पर सीधे प्रजनन में शामिल नहीं होते (जैसे आवाज़, चेहरे के बाल)। |
| Growth spurt | कद/वज़न का तेज़ी से बढ़ना। |
| Voice box (Larynx) | गला का भाग जिससे आवाज़ बनती है; लड़कों में बढ़ने पर एडम्स एप्पल दिख सकता है। |
| Adam’s apple | गले की उभरी हुई गाँठ; आवाज़ बॉक्स का बड़ा होना। |
| Acne/Pimples | त्वचा पर दाने; तेलीय स्राव व बंद रोमछिद्रों के कारण। |
| Menstrual cycle | लड़कियों/महिलाओं में हर ~28–30 दिन में होने वाला चक्र; 21–35 दिन तक भिन्न हो सकता है। |
| Menstruation (Period) | चक्र का वह समय जब रक्तस्राव 3–7 दिन तक होता है; सामान्य प्रक्रिया। |
| Hormones | शरीर में बनने वाले रसायन जो वृद्धि, भावनाएँ व बदलाव नियंत्रित करते हैं। |
| Emotional changes | भावनाओं में बदलाव, जैसे मूड स्विंग, संवेदनशीलता, जिज्ञासा। |
| Behavioural changes | व्यवहार में बदलाव—नई रुचियाँ, सामाजिक भागीदारी, निर्णय लेना। |
| Balanced diet | प्रोटीन, कार्बोहाइड्रेट, वसा, विटामिन, खनिजों का संतुलित भोजन। |
| Iron deficiency | शरीर में आयरन की कमी; कमज़ोरी/रक्त संबंधी दिक्कतें हो सकती हैं। |
| Vitamin B12 | शरीर के लिए ज़रूरी विटामिन; भोजन से मिलता है, शरीर नहीं बनाता। |
| Personal hygiene | शरीर की साफ-सफाई—नहाना, विशेषकर बगल/जननांग क्षेत्र की सफाई। |
| Menstrual hygiene | पीरियड्स के दौरान स्वच्छता—पैड/कप/क्लॉथ पैड का सही उपयोग व निपटान। |
| Cyberbullying | ऑनलाइन माध्यम से किसी को परेशान/अपमानित करना। |
| Substance abuse | हानिकारक चीज़ों (तंबाकू, शराब, ड्रग्स) का सेवन व उनकी लत लग जाना। |
| Helpline 14446 | नशा मुक्ति के लिए राष्ट्रीय सहायता हेल्पलाइन नंबर। |
📚Detailed Notes — Adolescence: Growth, Health & Responsibility
🌱Life Stages & What is Adolescence?
- Human life passes through infancy → childhood → adolescence → adulthood → old age. Each stage’s duration can vary among individuals.
- Adolescence (≈ 10–19 years) is a period of rapid physical, biological, emotional and social changes. The body prepares for adulthood and reproductive capability.
- Many changes are visible (height, hair growth), while some are internal (hormonal, reproductive system maturation).
📏6.1 Growing with Age: Visible Physical Changes
- Height & weight: noticeable growth spurt; boys may develop broader shoulders/chest; girls show breast development.
- Voice changes: growth of the voice box (larynx) causes hoarseness in boys; Adam’s apple may be visible. Girls also have minor voice changes.
- Skin changes: increased oil secretion → acne/pimples, especially on the face.
- Body hair: hair growth in armpits and pubic region (boys & girls); boys may develop facial/chest/back hair (varies widely and timing differs—this is normal).
Key point: Timing, pace and extent of changes vary person to person. Comparisons aren’t helpful—variation is normal.
🔖Secondary Sexual Characteristics & Puberty
- Secondary sexual characteristics: features like voice change, facial/body hair in boys and breast development in girls. These distinguish males and females but are not directly part of reproduction.
- Puberty: the stage when external & internal changes prepare the adolescent to become a reproductively capable adult.
🩺6.2 Internal Changes & Menstrual Cycle (Girls)
- Internal maturation of organs involved in reproduction occurs in both boys and girls during adolescence.
- Menstrual cycle: commonly every 28–30 days (healthy range 21–35 days); menstruation (blood discharge) lasts about 3–7 days. Mild lower abdominal discomfort may occur.
- Menstruation is natural and healthy; typically stops at 45–55 years (end of reproductive capability).
Breaking myths: Menstruation is a normal biological process. Myths, taboos and isolation have no scientific basis. A scientific, respectful outlook promotes better reproductive health and dignity.
💬6.3 Emotional & Behavioural Changes
- Adolescence often brings stronger emotions (mood swings, increased sensitivity), new interests and curiosity.
- Possible positive outcomes: joining social initiatives, creativity, self-exploration, leadership in class/society.
- Skill: Notice how emotions influence choices; pause–reflect–respond helps better decision-making.
🥗6.4.1 Nutrition: Eat for Growth
- A balanced diet with proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins & minerals supports growth, stamina and learning.
- Examples:
- Milk, curd, paneer, millets → calcium, proteins, fats (bone growth, energy).
- Spinach, kidney beans, dried fruits → iron (healthy blood).
- Discuss vitamin B12 sources with teachers; it’s essential and obtained from food.
- Science & Society: Iron/Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause blood-related issues; know local/government programmes supporting nutrition.
Know a Scientist: Dorothy Hodgkin determined the structure of Vitamin B12; Nobel Prize (Chemistry, 1964).
🧼6.4.2 Personal & Menstrual Hygiene
- Daily bathing; special care for armpits and pubic region to reduce infection risk.
- Menstrual hygiene: sanitary pads / reusable cloth pads; change on time; wash and dry cloth pads in sun; keep clean.
- Disposal: wrap used pads in paper; place in a bin. Biodegradable pads are eco-friendlier.
- Govt initiatives improving access & awareness: Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS), RKSK, Suvidha, and state schemes.
🏃♀️6.4.3 Physical Activity
- Regular games, exercise, yoga boost fitness, stamina, mood and focus.
- Find activities you enjoy (running, cycling, team sports, dance, yoga).
🤝6.4.4 Balanced Social Life & Online Safety
- Be polite, respectful; think before posting; protect privacy.
- Cyberbullying: if targeted, save evidence, block/report, and seek help from parents/teachers.
- Posters & peer awareness can improve digital behaviour at school.
🚫6.4.5 Say NO to Harmful Substances
- Tobacco, gutka, cigarettes/beedi, alcohol and illegal drugs harm the lungs, brain, memory and overall health; they are addictive.
- Firmly refuse—the best time to say “NO” is the first time and every time.
- Seek support from family/teachers; counselling & medical help are available.
- Science & Society: Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan; National De-addiction Helpline: 14446.
🧪6.5 Why Do These Changes Happen? — Hormones
- Hormones are chemical messengers produced in the body; they regulate growth, puberty changes, mood and behaviour.
- The brain sends signals to release hormones at the right time, guiding body changes during adolescence.
🧠In a Nutshell (Quick Revision)
- Adolescence: ~10–19 years; rapid physical, biological, emotional change.
- Secondary sexual characteristics (voice, hair, breasts) mark puberty; they help distinguish males/females.
- Menstrual cycle: natural, usually 28–30 days (21–35 variable); menstruation 3–7 days; typically ends by 45–55 years.
- Healthy living: balanced diet, hygiene (incl. menstrual), regular activity, respectful social/online behaviour.
- Avoid addictions: say NO to tobacco, alcohol, drugs; seek help if needed (Helpline 14446).
- Hormones primarily drive these changes; guidance & awareness make adolescence joyful and safe.
Practice Pack — Adolescence: A Stage of Growth & Change
One-word • Fill in the Blanks • True/False • Very Short • Short Answers
🧠🗣️🥗🧼📱🚫
🎯Section 1 — One-Word Answers (10)
1) Period of rapid change from childhood to adulthood (≈10–19 yrs):
Adolescence
2) Stage when body becomes capable of reproduction:
Puberty
3) Features like voice change/breast development that distinguish sexes but don’t directly cause reproduction:
Secondary sexual characteristics
4) Organ that produces voice (common name “voice box”):
Larynx
5) Visible bump on front of neck seen in many boys:
Adam’s apple
6) Small reddish bumps often on the face during adolescence:
Acne
7) Monthly cycle in girls/women (commonly ~28–30 days):
Menstrual cycle
8) Days of blood discharge in the cycle:
Menstruation
9) Chemical messengers controlling growth and changes:
Hormones
10) Online harassment using digital devices/platforms:
Cyberbullying
🧩Section 2 — Fill in the Blanks (10)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1) Adolescence generally spans ages ______ to ______ years. | 10 to 19 |
| 2) The stage when reproductive capability begins is called ______. | puberty |
| 3) Hoarseness in boys is due to growth of the ______ (voice box). | larynx |
| 4) The visible neck bump in many boys is called ______ ______. | Adam’s apple |
| 5) The menstrual cycle commonly repeats every ______–______ days. | 28–30 |
| 6) Menstruation usually lasts for about ______ to ______ days. | 3 to 7 |
| 7) Increased oily secretions can clog pores and cause ______. | acne |
| 8) A balanced diet includes proteins, carbohydrates, fats, ______ and ______. | vitamins and minerals |
| 9) The National De-addiction Helpline number is ______. | 14446 |
| 10) The safest choice with harmful substances is to say “______”. | NO |
✅Section 3 — True / False with Explanations (10)
| # | Statement | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Menstruation is unhealthy; girls should be isolated during periods. | False | It’s a natural, healthy process; isolation/taboos have no scientific basis. |
| 2 | Secondary sexual characteristics directly cause reproduction. | False | They distinguish male/female appearance but aren’t directly involved in reproduction. |
| 3 | Puberty marks the start of changes that enable reproduction. | True | External and internal maturation begins during puberty. |
| 4 | Every girl has a 28-day cycle exactly. | False | Healthy cycles vary, often between ~21–35 days; variation is normal. |
| 5 | Acne in adolescence can be due to increased oily secretions. | True | Oil can clog pores; infections lead to pimples. |
| 6 | Regular physical activity helps fitness and mood in adolescents. | True | Exercise builds stamina, supports growth and improves mood. |
| 7 | Sharing personal photos with strangers online is safe if the account is private. | False | Privacy can fail; never share with strangers; protect personal information. |
| 8 | Harmful substances can cause addiction and serious health issues. | True | Tobacco/alcohol/drugs damage body and mind; best to refuse from the start. |
| 9 | Proper disposal of used sanitary pads helps community hygiene. | True | Wrap and bin them; this protects health and the environment. |
| 10 | All adolescents change at the same pace and age. | False | Timing and extent of changes vary widely among individuals. |
✍️Section 4 — Very Short Answers (10) • 2–3 lines each
1) What is adolescence? Mention typical age range.
It’s the period of rapid growth and change between childhood and adulthood, usually about 10–19 years. Body and mind mature towards adulthood.
2) Define puberty. How is it related to secondary sexual characteristics?
Puberty is when the body begins to mature for reproduction. It brings secondary sexual characteristics like voice change or breast development.
3) Why do some boys show an Adam’s apple?
Because the larynx (voice box) grows larger in many boys, creating a visible bump and causing the voice to deepen.
4) What causes pimples in adolescents? One tip to manage.
Increased oil can clog pores and get infected. Keep the face clean, avoid picking, and follow gentle hygiene.
5) What is menstruation and how long does it usually last?
It’s the days of blood discharge in the menstrual cycle. It commonly lasts about 3–7 days.
6) List two good menstrual hygiene practices.
Use sanitary/cloth pads properly and change on time; wrap and dispose used pads in a bin; wash/dry reusable cloth pads in sun.
7) Give two benefits of regular physical activity in adolescence.
Improves fitness and stamina; boosts mood and focus—helpful for study and sports.
8) What is cyberbullying? What should you do if it happens?
Online harassment via messages/posts. Save evidence, block/report, and tell trusted adults/teachers.
9) Why is a balanced diet important now? Name one iron source.
Supports rapid growth and energy needs. Iron sources: spinach, kidney beans, raisins, figs.
10) What are hormones? One role in adolescence.
Chemical messengers made in the body. They guide growth, puberty changes, and can affect mood/behaviour.
📝Section 5 — Short Answers (10) • 3–4 lines each
1) Describe common emotional/behavioural changes and a healthy way to handle them.
Mood swings, sensitivity, and curiosity are common. Use “pause–reflect–respond,” talk to trusted adults, and channel energy into sports, arts, or community work.
2) Summarise the menstrual cycle and why variation is normal.
It commonly recurs every ~28–30 days, but healthy ranges are ~21–35 days. Early cycles can be irregular—variation is normal; learn hygiene and seek guidance if concerned.
3) Outline personal hygiene during adolescence, including menstrual hygiene.
Bathe daily; clean armpits and pubic region; wear fresh clothes. During periods, use pads/cloth pads properly, change on time, and dispose or wash/dry hygienically.
4) Why avoid harmful substances? How to resist peer pressure?
They harm lungs, brain and can cause addiction. Say a firm “NO,” suggest healthier activities, stay with supportive friends, and seek help from family/teachers.
5) Write three rules for safe, respectful social media use.
Think before posting; protect privacy—don’t share personal photos/data with strangers; block/report bullying and inform trusted adults.
6) Mention key nutrients needed now and one local food source for each.
Protein (milk/pulses), carbohydrates (millets/rice), fats (nuts/dairy), vitamins/minerals (greens/fruit). They support growth, energy, blood, and bones.
7) Explain the role of hormones and the brain during adolescence.
The brain signals glands to release hormones at the right time. Hormones drive growth, puberty changes, and influence mood/behaviour.
8) What makes adolescence a unique stage and how does guidance help?
Rapid physical, emotional and social changes occur together. Caring guidance and accurate information make it joyful and safe.
9) Name government initiatives supporting menstrual hygiene and their aim.
MHS, RKSK, and Suvidha provide pads/awareness and improve access/hygiene for girls, especially in schools and rural areas.
10) Suggest a daily “healthy adolescent” checklist.
Eat balanced meals, hydrate, sleep 8–9 hours, exercise, maintain hygiene, be kind/respectful online, and say NO to harmful substances.