Characteristics of Early Adolescents

Early adolescence is a time of change affecting the physical, mental, emotional and social well-being of children between the ages of 11 and 14 years. These changes are necessary as preteens evolve into teens and later adults. Let's take a closer look at some of the characteristics of early adolescent children.

  1. Physical Characteristics

    • As children grow and get older, many physical changes take place. During early adolescence, males may begin to notice deepening of their voice, sudden growth spurts and light hair developing on the face, legs, chest and pubic areas. Females begin growing pubic hair, breasts start developing and menstruation may start. The ages at which these changes occur are not the same for all adolescents. Some may begin to show physical changes early while others don't experience them until the latter end of this phase.

    Mental/Emotional Characteristics

    • As puberty begins, early adolescents go through many hormonal changes. Males produce a larger amount of testosterone while females produce a larger amount of estrogen. These hormonal changes can cause moodiness, changes is attitude and lack of affection. Hormones can also cause adolescents to have a better sense of right and wrong and higher functioning cognitive and learning skills. Depression is also a common characteristic seen among early adolescents as they try to cope with these changes.

    Social Characteristics

    • Social cues are very important in the development of early adolescents. Peer pressure is a common problem among this age group. Pressures to do things such as drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, and have sexual relations can be very strong. The urge to be in popular groups can cause early adolescents to change the way they eat, dress, talk or act in order to fit in.

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