Physical Development

• Puberty reigns at this age. Puberty, however, has several stages and kids will develop at different rates.

• Growth spurts may result in clumsiness and a lack of coordination as they adjust to their new bodies.

• This is the age when they need to be informed of and practice personal hygiene.

• Typically, between ages 12 and 14, preadolescents become very aware of their own sexuality and others’ sexuality.

  • These body changes can inspire both curiosity and anxiety

  • Sexual questioning and curiosity

  • Some children may question their gender identity at this time, and the onset of puberty can also be a difficult time for transgender or gender nonconforming children.

  • Positive and accepting school climate is an important protective factor.

    • Over the past 15 years, more students report that their schools have gay-straight alliance programs, more school staff who are supportive, and their schools have anti-harassment policies that protect LGBTQ students

Cognitive and Intellectual Development

• Children at this age begin to move from concrete to abstract thinking. Piaget termed this the Formal Operational Stage.

• Early Adolescents may still lean towards concrete thinking and increased “ego-centricism”

• As processing becomes more complex, they are also more likely to question rules and standards and want to understand the “why” of things.

• Intellectual interests expand and become more important. Good time to bring up issues of social justice, prosocial behavior and change

• Academically, preadolescents may enjoy school more as well as the social aspects of learning. This works well when teachers encourage learning in small groups.

• Elkin: Imaginary Audience

  • Feeling that one is the center of everyone’s attention

  • World is a stage

  • Increased self-consciousness

  • Peaks in early adolescence , slows down a bit as move towards older years

  • Personal Fable: personal uniqueness: no one understands me

Emotional Development

• Moodiness and roller-coaster emotions emerge during puberty; they can be happy one moment and then angry or very upset the next.

• They have a greater desire for independence, yet there is a tendency to return to “childish” behavior, particularly when stressed.

• They tend to test rules and limits at home and in school (e.g. not following directions, using foul language).

Social Development

• Peer groups become increasingly important. Many preteens would rather be social than tend to their school work or other responsibilities.

• Some experience large shifts in their social circles as they go through puberty. Tight-knit groups and cliques can form.

• As they further into adolescence, they may dabble in more serious risk behaviors (such as self-harm, drinking alcohol, or sexual activity).

• It is important to speak with them about what they’re experiencing and what they’re seeing going on with their peers.