We all go through loads of changes emotionally and physically as we grow up and puberty can be a very scary though exciting time. Sexual development happens anytime between 10-18 years old, but usually in our early teens. It does not make any difference what age you start developing it will happen to everyone at some point.

Our bodies will change in all sorts of different ways:

• getting taller and more muscular

• joints may be painful

• voice deepens

• nipples and breast area may be sensitive for a short time

• genitalia get bigger

•spots and black heads may develop

• developing an Adam’s Apple (bump at the front of the neck)

• start to get interested in people you are attracted to

• hair will develop on different parts of the body.

Some of the following changes are very normal and can happen in no particular order:

Sweating

As we develop we start to sweat more as well. Sometimes this can be quite embarrassing if we smell and so need to keep this under control. It is advisable to shower or bath daily, especially after playing sports or sweating a lot, like on a hot day. It is also a good idea to find a good deodorant to use.

Acne/Spots

They include whiteheads, blackheads, red bumps (pimples), and bumps that are filled with pus (cysts).Your skin is covered with tiny holes that contain oil that moisturize the skin. Sometimes these pores get clogged up and can cause bacteria that develop spots. As we develop our hormones become more active and our skin can find it hard to cope.
To help prevent all types of spots make sure you:
• properly wash your face twice a day
• have a spot cream for when spots develop
• make sure your hair is clean
• wash caps regularly so they don’t cause spots on the hair line.
• Try not to touch your face.
• Don't pick, squeeze, or pop spots.

What does it mean for a boy's voice to break?

This is just a way of saying that a boy's voice will become deeper. Sometimes it can happen very quickly, maybe even overnight. Other boys may have a time when their voice is higher at one moment and then lower a minute later. All boys' voices will eventually settle down and have a deeper, lower pitch.

Not everyone is the same...

As we have mentioned, everyone goes through puberty at different stages and this includes 'general growing up'.

Most boys as they become teenagers, try to prove themselves to each other. Who is more macho? Who is better at fighting? Who is better at football and sports? Some boys don't enjoy sports, they like to read, right, explore, play different games. Everyone enjoys different things and no one has the same interests. Some boys might start talking more to girls and saying how they like girls now! This is probably very new for a lot of boys as when you were younger, boys stick with boys and girls stick with girls. But things start to change...

There are also boys though, who may not feel like this. They may wonder 'How come I don't want to talk to girls much and what does it mean to like a girl'? Hitting puberty means your hormones start to develop and change, sexual thoughts and feelings are a normal part of growing up and it is ok if you do not feel these feelings yet, and are not 'into girls'.

All boys are different. Everyone develops at their own stage, there is no one time where all boys become teenagers! It might be scary and nerve wracking, but it is a natural process that everyone goes through. If you feel you need to speak to anyone, turn to your parents for support or a friend. You are not alone.

further info

You can find more information about puberty and development on www.kidshealth.org or www.lifebytes.gov.uk.