Full Name:  Growth and Development, Ages 15 to 18 Years

Brief Overview:
The ages between 15 and 18 are a time of discovery for both teens and parents. However, these years can be as challenging as they are exciting. Many teens have periods of fluctuating emotions, as they have a tendency to base their worth on unrealistic comparisons, such as media images of the ideal body. Self-image is also influenced by success in sports and school, peer relationships, and how well the teens are meeting the expectations of their parents.

Physical development
By age 15, most teens have entered puberty, and girls are near their adult height as they usually have completed the phase of rapid growth that precedes the first menstrual period. Boys, however, usually continue growing taller and gaining weight.

Cognitive development
Teens gradually develop the ability to think in more sophisticated, abstract ways, perceiving issues in shades of gray, instead of black and white. Teens gain a better understanding of concepts like morality, consequence, objectivity, and empathy.

Emotional and social development
The questions "Who am I?" and "How do I fit in?" guide much of teens’ emotional and social development. It is normal for teens’ emotions to shift frequently with good and bad days.

When to Call a Doctor:
Call a health professional if you have health problems or issues that may need treatment. Such problems or issues may include:

• A significant delay in physical or sexual development, for example, if sexual development has not begun by age 15.
• Becoming sexually active: Teens who are sexually active need to be educated about birth control and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Also, females will usually need to have a Pap test.
• Being overweight: A health professional can help guide weight loss and proper nutrition.
• Severe acne that may be helped by medication.

Online Resources:

Adolescent Health Online Home Page
American Medical Association 

Web Address: AMA

This Website, sponsored by the American Medical Association, provides parents and teens with useful information about issues such as injury prevention, nutrition, teen violence, physical fitness, and tobacco use and links to other resources. The AMA’s department of adolescent health may be contacted by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Another site is www.familyeducation.org

Organizations
:

Children’s Defense Fund
25 E Street, N.W. 

Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 628-8787
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Web Address: www.childrensdefense.org

This organization produces information on many youth-related issues, such as education, child care, health care, and juvenile justice.

National Families in Action
2957 Clairmont Road NE 

Suite 150 

Atlanta, Georgia 30329
Phone: (404) 248-9676
Fax: (404) 248-1312 

E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Web Address: www.nationalfamilies.org

National Families in Action was founded in 1977. Its mission is to help families and communities prevent drug use among children by promoting policies based on science.

The NOAPPP addresses the issues of adolescent sexuality, pregnancy, and parenting at local, state, and national levels. NOAPPP’s vision is for all adolescents to make responsible decisions about sexuality, pregnancy, and parenting. It provides information, resource-sharing opportunities, and technical assistance and fosters the development of innovative adolescent pregnancy care, prevention programs, and public policy initiatives.

Author: Amy Fackler, MA 

Medical Review: Michael J. Sexton, MD—Pediatrics 

Edward Z. Tronick, PhD—Child Development
Last Updated: May 17, 2004

Character Education