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Ask Dr. Sharon

Child Development

Watch this video to learn more about your child's physical and emotional development.

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Key Points

key
  • Most girls will start puberty around 9 years of age, and most boys will start around 11 years. By 15, most girls are completely physically mature, as are most boys at nearly 17. However, research has shown that the adolescent brain does not mature at the same rate as the body.
  • The prefrontal (anterior) part of the brain controls reason, emotion, common sense, and judgment, and is not mature until nearly 21 years of age.
  • Even though their bodies are physically mature, teens' brains are not. This should alert us that teens may be somewhat vulnerable, despite their appearance and belief to the contrary. They may not be able to process the constant exposure to sexualized materials in the media, popular music, fashion, and advertising, or make quality decisions.

Outside Resources

Web Sites

Books

  • Why Do They Act That Way? by Dr. David Walsh, Free Press, New York, 2004

Related Dr. Sharon Videos

quote Physical maturity does not mean mental maturity.  quote

Parent Action Steps

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It’s important to be knowledgeable about the physical and mental development in adolescents. The articles below will provide a better understanding of teen development and allow you to improve communication with your teen as you come to understand what he or she is experiencing. Encourage your teen to discuss these important issues with a trusted adult. Family communication is key to prevention.

  • Dr. Jay Giedd is a neuroscientist at the National Institute of Mental Health. He has researched the adolescent brain extensively.
  • Read about teen behavior, safety, physical development, and what you can do to understand your teen better.
  • Read “Teenage Brain: A work in progress,” issued by the National Institute of Mental Health. This article looks at brain development during the adolescent years.
  • Read the research conducted by Dr. Deborah Yurgelun-Todd that maps the differences between the adolescent and adult brain.
  • Read what Nancy A. McBride, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's National Safety Director says about parents’ responsibility to their children. “The responsibility for a young child's safety rests squarely on the trusted adults in that child's life… Parents and guardians need to do their due diligence…”

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