Adolescence: A Stage Of Growth And Change

Hello my dear students, welcome to today's science class. I am so happy to see all of you here, ready to learn something new and important. Today, we are going to study a chapter that is very close to our lives, something that each one of you will experience or might already be experiencing. We are going to learn about Chapter 6: Adolescence - A Stage of Growth and Change.

Now, before we begin, let me ask you something. Have you ever seen a seed germinate? When you plant a small seed in the soil and give it water and sunlight, what happens? The seed sprouts, it becomes a tiny sapling, and then gradually grows into a full plant. This plant then develops leaves, flowers, fruits, and new seeds. Now, think about this - can that tiny sapling produce seeds immediately after it sprouts? Of course not! It needs time to grow, to mature, to become strong enough to produce its own seeds. The same thing happens with animals and with us humans too.

So students, let us understand this properly. The journey of human life can be divided into different stages. The first stage is infancy, when we are just born and completely dependent on our parents. Then comes childhood, which is when we start going to school, making friends, and learning many new things. After childhood comes adolescence, then adulthood, and finally old age. Each person goes through these stages at their own pace. Some people may reach adolescence earlier, some later, and that is perfectly normal.

Now, until we are about ten to twelve years old, most of the changes we experience are related to our height and weight. We grow taller, we gain weight, and we become stronger. But after this period, something interesting starts happening. Our bodies begin to change in many more ways - ways that are not just about getting taller or heavier. These changes prepare our bodies to become adults, to be able to have children when we grow up. This special period is what we call adolescence.

Adolescence is a period of rapid growth and development, and it typically occurs between the ages of ten and nineteen years. This is a very important phase in everyone's life because during this time, our bodies undergo many significant changes - both physical and emotional. It is like our body is preparing us for adulthood.

Now, let me tell you about an interesting incident. During summer vacation, a boy named Venkatesh went to visit his grandparents. When he entered the house, his twelve-year-old cousin Devyani came running to greet him. Can you guess what she noticed? She said, "Venkatesh, you have a thin moustache now!" And Venkatesh looked at Devyani and said, "You have become so tall, Devyani! Your voice has also changed!" Isn't that interesting? They were noticing the changes that happen during adolescence.

Now, let us think about our own experiences. Have you noticed changes in yourself or in your classmates as you have moved from Grade 5 to Grade 8? Perhaps some of you have grown taller, some of you have gained weight, some boys might have noticed changes in their voice, some girls might have noticed changes in their bodies. These are all part of adolescence.

Let us do an activity. Imagine we have a jar and some paper slips. Each one of you would write down the changes you can notice among students as they go from Grades 5 to 8. These could be related to height, strength, behaviour, or any other aspect. We would not write any names on the slips to keep it private. Then we would fold the slips and put them in the jar. After mixing all the slips, we would unfold them one by one and discuss the changes. This would help us understand what common changes students experience during this time.

Based on such discussions, we usually find that the most common changes during growing up include changes in height, changes in weight and strength, changes in appearance, and many other things. Let me give you a table to understand this better.

In the first column, we have the serial number. In the second column, we have the type of change - like height, weight and strength, appearance, and so on. In the third column, we have our observations - what we actually see happening.

Now, have you experienced some of these changes? If yes, then it is because you are also gradually entering this stage. This stage, as we discussed, starts around ten years of age and can continue up to nineteen years of age. It is usually a stage of development between childhood and adulthood, and it has a special name - we call it adolescence. The word 'adolescent' comes from a Latin word that means 'to grow up'. So, an adolescent is someone who is growing up, transitioning from childhood to adulthood.

Now, let us discuss the specific changes that happen during adolescence in detail.

The first major change is an increase in height. From the time we are born, our body keeps growing and developing, and our height keeps increasing. But during adolescence, this increase in height becomes much more prominent. You might have noticed that in a span of just a few months, some of your classmates seem to have grown much taller. This is because during adolescence, our bones grow longer and stronger, making us taller. This growth spurt usually happens earlier in girls than in boys, but both experience significant height increase.

The second change is related to body structure, weight gain, and strength. As boys grow, along with getting taller, they also gain weight. Their shoulders might become broader, and their chests may get wider. This gives them a more muscular appearance. Girls also undergo changes in height and weight, and they experience other body changes like the development of breasts. These changes are completely normal and are part of becoming an adult.

The third change is related to voice. Now, this is very interesting. In adolescent boys, the voice box, which is a structure in our throat that helps us speak, grows larger. This growth causes the voice to sound hoarse or cracked. You might have heard some boys' voices breaking or sounding strange for a while. This is because the voice box is growing, and the vocal cords are becoming thicker and longer. This growth may be seen as a bump in the throat region, which is called the Adam's apple. However, not everyone has a noticeable Adam's apple - it varies from person to person. The voice box also grows in adolescent girls, but it is not as big as in boys, so the change in voice is usually only slight. So, if you hear a boy's voice cracking or sounding hoarse, don't laugh at him - he is just going through normal changes!

The fourth change is the appearance of hair in different parts of the body. Both boys and girls experience the growth of hair in areas like the armpits and the pubic region. This is completely normal and happens to everyone during puberty. Boys often develop facial hair, which later grows into a moustache and a beard as they move towards adulthood. Some boys may also develop hair on their chest and back, though some boys may have no significant hair growth - that is also normal. Variations in the timing and amount of hair growth are completely normal from person to person.

The fifth change is related to facial skin - the emergence of pimples. Another common occurrence during the adolescent years is a skin condition called acne, in which small, reddish pimples appear on the face. These pimples can be frustrating, but they are a very normal part of adolescence. Acne occurs because during adolescence, our skin produces more oily secretions. These oils can clog the skin pores and lead to infections, which appear as pimples. While acne is the condition, pimples are the visible manifestation of it. So, if you have pimples, don't worry - it will get better with time. Just keep your face clean and avoid touching your face too much.

Now, students, I want you to remember an important point. Whether it is a change in height, voice, or facial hair, it is important to recognise that the timing, nature, and extent of these changes vary among individuals. Some students might grow taller earlier, some might get pimples earlier, some might experience voice changes earlier - all of this is completely normal. Each person experiences adolescence at his or her own pace, and its duration also varies from one person to another. So, never compare yourself with others - you are unique, and your body has its own timeline.

Now, let us understand something important. Some of these changes that we just discussed - like the change in voice, the growth of facial and chest hair in boys, and the development of breasts in girls - are not directly involved in the process of reproduction. But they do help distinguish males from females. For this reason, these characteristics have a special name. They are called secondary sexual characteristics.

Secondary sexual characteristics are natural signs that the body is preparing for adulthood. They mark the onset of puberty. Now, what is puberty? Puberty is the stage in which the body of an adolescent undergoes external and internal changes to develop into an adult capable of reproduction. So, when we say a child has reached puberty, it means their body has developed to the point where it can produce offspring. This is a natural and important part of growing up.

Now, students, we have discussed some changes that are visible from outside. But there are also internal changes that happen during adolescence, changes that we cannot see from the outside. One such change is the maturation of various parts involved in the process of reproduction. Both boys and girls experience such changes gradually, and these changes are a natural part of growing up.

An important internal change associated with adolescent girls is the onset of the menstrual cycle. Now, this is something that every girl and woman experiences, and it is completely natural. The menstrual cycle generally recurs every twenty-eight to thirty days, and it is more commonly known as 'the period'. Many healthy girls may have longer or shorter menstrual cycles ranging from twenty-one to thirty-five days, and that is normal too.

The menstrual cycle is an important natural process and is one of the signs of good reproductive health. The phase of the cycle when blood discharge occurs from the body is referred to as menstruation. It may last for three to seven days. Some girls may feel pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen during these days, which is called menstrual cramps. This is also normal, and there are ways to manage this discomfort with the help of a doctor.

Usually, by the age of forty-five to fifty-five, menstruation stops naturally. This is called menopause, and it marks the end of the reproductive capability in a woman's life. So, menstruation is a process that starts during adolescence and continues until middle age.

Now, students, I want to talk about something important. There are many wrong beliefs about menstruation that often lead to unnecessary fear, shame, or even guilt. These beliefs have given rise to certain myths and taboos. For example, in some places, people believe that girls should not touch certain foods or participate in certain activities during their period. This is absolutely wrong. Menstruation is a natural process, and such myths have no scientific basis. Unfortunately, physical isolation of menstruating girls is still prevalent in some areas, which is very unfair and unscientific.

We need to encourage a scientific outlook towards menstruation. We should help society understand that menstruation is natural and that it is important to promote good reproductive health of women. By doing this, we can contribute positively towards a healthier lifestyle for women.

Now, students, adolescence is not just about physical changes or changes associated with reproductive capability. It is also about emotional and behavioural changes. Let us discuss those.

During adolescence, you might notice changes in your emotions and behaviour. You might feel excited one moment and confused the next. You might find yourself thinking about new things, feeling new emotions, and behaving differently than before. This is all part of adolescence.

Let us think about this. Have there been any changes in your emotions or behaviour or that of your classmates and friends in the past one or two years? These changes may be exciting, confusing, or both.

Some emotional changes that adolescents commonly experience include mood swings, which means your mood can change quickly from happy to sad or angry. You might feel very energetic and happy on some days, and feel low or sad on other days. This is because your body is going through many hormonal changes that affect your emotions.

Another change is that you might experience stronger emotions than before. You might feel things more deeply - whether it is happiness, sadness, anger, or love. This increased sensitivity can sometimes be overwhelming, but it is a normal part of adolescence.

These emotional changes can affect your behaviour. For example, when you are feeling strong emotions, you might want to engage in various activities like music, dance, or sports. You might also become more interested in social issues and want to help others. Some adolescents develop deeper interest in new areas like art, literature, or science.

Understanding how our emotions influence our behaviour and actions can help us make better choices and respond to situations thoughtfully. It is important to recognise our emotions and learn how to manage them in a healthy way.

Now, let us discuss how we can make adolescence a joyful experience. The journey of adolescence is a unique experience. Heightened curiosity and excitement during this stage of life give adolescents a new viewpoint towards almost everything around them. Good habits, thoughtful decisions, and small actions can have a powerful positive impact on the overall well-being of adolescents.

The first important aspect is meeting nutritional needs. In Grade 6, you learnt about the need for a healthy diet. Since adolescence is a period of growth and development marked by several changes in the body, a nutritious diet is of utmost importance.

For proper growth and to perform well on the playground, we need proteins and carbohydrates. But not only that, we also need an adequate amount of fats, vitamins, and minerals as well. All these nutrients are essential for our body to grow properly and stay healthy.

Let us think about locally available foods and what nutrients they provide. For example, milk, millets, curd, cheese, and paneer give us calcium, proteins, and fats, which help in optimal bone growth. Proteins from foods like dal, eggs, and meat help proper growth, give us strength, and improve our energy levels. Spinach, kidney beans, and dried fruits like raisins and figs provide iron, which helps in the formation of blood.

Now, I want to tell you about an important health issue. Adolescents, especially girls, may sometimes suffer from blood-related health problems because of a deficiency of iron or vitamin B12 in the body. Iron deficiency can lead to a condition called anaemia, where a person feels tired and weak. Vitamin B12 is important for the proper functioning of our body, and like most vitamins, it cannot be made in the human body - it has to be obtained from the food we eat. Sources of vitamin B12 include meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. There are also government schemes aimed to prevent such deficiencies, like providing iron supplements in schools.

Now, the second important aspect is personal hygiene. Besides nutrition, personal hygiene is also crucially important during adolescence. Maintaining body hygiene, particularly in the armpits and the pubic region, may protect us from potential infections. We should take a bath regularly, keep our clothes clean, and maintain good overall hygiene.

For girls, maintaining proper hygiene during menstruation is essential for both comfort and health. Menstrual hygiene can be maintained using items such as sanitary pads and reusable cloth pads designed for this purpose. It is very important to change sanitary pads regularly to prevent infections.

The government also attempts to provide these products free of charge or at a low price to improve the menstrual hygiene of girls and women. There is the Menstrual Hygiene Scheme, under which sanitary pads are provided free of charge or at a reduced price to adolescent girls in rural areas. There is also the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram, which aims to improve the overall health of adolescents, including menstrual health and hygiene. There is the Suvidha Sanitary Napkin Initiative, which provides biodegradable sanitary pads at affordable prices through Jan Aushadhi Kendras. Various state governments also have their own programmes, like the Shuchi Scheme in Karnataka and free sanitary napkin schemes in Tamil Nadu and Odisha.

It is important to dispose of used sanitary pads properly by wrapping them in newspaper and disposing them inside a dustbin. This is to ensure community health and environmental cleanliness. These days, biodegradable sanitary pads are also available that are environment-friendly.

As a society, we should all make efforts to ensure the availability of necessary facilities in schools and public places to promote menstrual hygiene. Collectively, we should move forward, reducing any stigma around sanitary pads and helping in menstrual hygiene.

Now, the third important aspect is physical activities. Regular exercise and physical activities are also very important during adolescence. Do you exercise regularly or participate in games and sports? What kinds of exercises do you do? Whether it is running, swimming, cycling, playing cricket or football, or doing yoga, these activities will keep your body and mind fit and healthy, build up your stamina, and boost your mood. Exercise releases chemicals called endorphins that make us feel happy and reduce stress. So, make sure to include some physical activity in your daily routine.

The fourth important aspect is having a balanced social life. We all live in a society and interact with each other in our day-to-day life. We should be polite and respectful towards each other. This helps create a favourable and safe environment.

Since adolescence is a stage of life marked by new experiences and emotions, we must be thoughtful and responsible while interacting with others - whether in person or through social media. This is the time when adolescents may feel attracted to their peers and may want to mimic their behaviour. Today, we often interact with each other online through various social media platforms.

Modern technologies have made online platforms available for all to obtain information, make connections, interact, and share information with each other. We should use these platforms responsibly for the collective well-being of all. Sometimes, we knowingly or unknowingly use social media platforms carelessly. Seeking guidance from elders and teachers can help us use these platforms positively.

We should always be respectful and kind when communicating online. We should think before posting anything - will this hurt someone's feelings? We should protect our privacy and not share personal information with strangers. We should not share our personal photos with strangers or virtual friends. These are important dos and don'ts for social media use.

However, we also need to be aware of cyberbullying. Cyberbullying involves the use of digital devices such as phones, computers, or online platforms to harass others by sending misleading messages, spreading false rumours, or sharing personal information without consent. If someone tries to bully you online, it is important not to feel scared or helpless. Rather, handle it wisely and seek help from parents and teachers. Additionally, you should be cautious when uploading any picture online or sharing personal information with strangers.

Now, the fifth important aspect is avoiding harmful substances. Some people, including your peers, may tempt, persuade, force, or create pressure on you to consume harmful substances such as tobacco, gutka, cigarettes, beedi, alcohol, or even life-threatening illegal drugs. Since adolescence is marked by curiosity and excitement, adolescents might get influenced by such people and try these substances.

These substances are not just harmful to physical and mental health but are also addictive. This means that once people start consuming them, they develop a strong urge to take them again and again. Over time, they start using them regularly. This is called substance abuse. Someone who is addicted today might have started once with 'just one time'! So, it is very important to say 'NO' to addictive substances the first time and every time!

Using these substances can cause serious health problems, such as breathing difficulties, memory loss, and damage to the lungs, depending on the substance. To stay healthy, it is important to completely avoid these substances and make healthy choices instead. It is important to remain firm and confident in your decision to say 'NO'.

The first step to overcoming addiction is seeking help and support from family and friends, and talking to trusted people, such as parents or teachers. Counselling and medical advice can also be helpful in handling such situations. Remember, your health and your future are in your hands - choose wisely!

The Government of India has launched the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, which intends to reach out to the masses and spread awareness on the issue of avoiding substance abuse through active participation of the youth, women, and the community. The Government has also launched a National De-addiction Helpline - 14446 - to deal with drug addiction and to help drug addicts.

Now, students, we have discussed the different changes in adolescence and also know some ways to handle it with a sense of responsibility. But I am sure many of you must be wondering - why do these changes occur at this stage of life? What causes all these changes?

Many changes in adolescence, including menstruation and other signs of puberty, are mainly due to hormones - certain chemicals produced in our bodies. Hormones play a crucial role in regulating various aspects of growth and development, contributing to the proper functioning of the body. They are produced in different parts of the body and are released at an appropriate time in response to signals from the brain. Some hormones influence mood and behaviour as well.

The main hormone that initiates changes in adolescence is called gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which comes from a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. This hormone signals the pituitary gland to release other hormones that stimulate the ovaries in girls and the testes in boys to produce sex hormones - estrogen in girls and testosterone in boys. These sex hormones are responsible for all the physical changes we discussed - the growth spurt, development of secondary sexual characteristics, and the start of reproductive functions.

Now, by staying informed, seeking support and guidance when needed, and making healthy decisions, you can build a strong foundation for your life ahead.

Now, students, let us move on to the exercises at the end of the chapter. I want you to understand each question thoroughly and learn how to answer them.

Question 1: Ramesh, an eleven-year-old boy, developed a few pimples on his face. His mother told him that this is because of ongoing biological changes in his body.

(i) What could be the possible reasons for the development of these pimples on his face?

(ii) What can he do to get some relief from these pimples?

Let me answer this. The possible reasons for the development of pimples on Ramesh's face are that during adolescence, there is an increase in the production of oily secretions from the skin glands. These oily secretions can clog the skin pores, leading to infections and the formation of pimples. This condition is called acne, and it is very common during adolescence due to the hormonal changes happening in the body.

To get some relief from these pimples, Ramesh should keep his face clean by washing it gently with mild soap and water two to three times a day. He should avoid touching his face with dirty hands or squeezing the pimples, as this can worsen the infection and may lead to scarring. He should eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water. If the pimples are severe, he should consult a dermatologist or a doctor who can recommend appropriate treatments.

Question 2: Which of the following food groups would be a better option for adolescents and why?

(i) Image of fast food

(ii) Image of balanced meal

The better option for adolescents is the balanced meal. Fast food is usually high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and salt, but low in essential nutrients. It can lead to weight gain and other health problems. On the other hand, a balanced meal includes a variety of foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, proteins, and dairy products. This provides all the essential nutrients that adolescents need for their growth and development. During adolescence, the body requires more nutrients due to the rapid growth and changes happening, so eating a balanced diet is crucial for good health.

Question 3: Unscramble the underlined word in the following sentences:

(i) The discharge of blood in adolescent girls which generally occurs every 28-30 days is nstmnoiaretu.

The unscrambled word is menstruation.

(ii) The hoarseness in the voice of adolescent boys is due to enlarged iceov xob.

The unscrambled word is voice box.

(iii) Secondary sexual characteristics are natural signs that the body is preparing for adulthood and mark the onset of urtypeb.

The unscrambled word is puberty.

(iv) We should say NO to lahoclo and srugd as they are addictive.

The unscrambled words are alcohol and drugs.

Question 4: Shalu told her friend, "Adolescence brings only physical changes, like growing taller or developing body hair." Is she correct? What would you change in this description of adolescence?

No, Shalu is not correct. Adolescence brings not only physical changes but also emotional and behavioural changes. During adolescence, individuals experience mood swings, stronger emotions, and changes in behaviour. They may become more interested in social issues, develop new interests, and have a heightened sense of curiosity. There are also internal changes like the onset of menstruation in girls and the production of sex hormones in both boys and girls. So, I would change her description to say that adolescence brings physical, emotional, and behavioural changes.

Question 5: During a discussion in the class, some of the students raised the following points. What questions would you ask them to check the correctness of these points?

(i) Adolescents do not need to worry about behavioural changes.

I would ask: Why do you think behavioural changes are not a concern? Don't you think understanding our emotions and behaviour is important for our overall well-being? How can we manage our emotions if we don't pay attention to behavioural changes?

(ii) If someone tries a harmful substance once, they can stop anytime they want.

I would ask: Is it true that once someone tries a harmful substance, they can easily stop? Have you heard about addiction? Why do you think addictive substances are so dangerous? What makes it difficult to stop using them once started?

Question 6: Adolescents sometimes experience mood swings. On some days, they feel very energetic and happy, while on other days, they may feel low. What other behavioural changes are associated with this age?

Other behavioural changes associated with adolescence include increased sensitivity to criticism or praise, a strong desire for independence and freedom, a tendency to question authority and rules, increased interest in peer relationships, a desire to explore new things and ideas, and sometimes feeling confused or insecure about their identity. They may also become more responsible and show concern for social issues, or they may sometimes engage in risky behaviour. These changes are all part of growing up and are influenced by the hormonal changes happening in the body.

Question 7: While using a toilet, Mohini noticed that used sanitary pads were scattered near the bin. She got upset and shared her feelings with her friends. They discussed the importance of menstrual hygiene and healthy sanitary habits. What menstrual hygiene and sanitary habits would you suggest to your friends?

The menstrual hygiene and sanitary habits I would suggest include changing sanitary pads or cloths regularly, at least every four to six hours, to prevent infections. Always wash your hands before and after changing the sanitary pad. Wrap used sanitary pads properly in newspaper or a plastic bag before disposing them in the dustbin. Keep the toilet clean and dry. Use clean underwear and change them daily. During menstruation, maintain personal hygiene by taking a bath regularly. Avoid using scented products or soaps inside the vaginal area as they can cause infections. Wear comfortable and breathable clothing. If experiencing any discomfort or unusual symptoms, consult a doctor.

Question 8: Mary and Manoj were classmates and good friends. On turning 11, Mary developed a little bulge on the front of her neck. She visited the doctor who gave her medication and asked to take iodine-rich diet. Similarly, a bump was developed on the front of Manoj's neck when he turned 12. However, the doctor told him that it was a part of growing up. According to you, what could be the possible reason for advising Mary and Manoj differently?

The possible reason for advising Mary and Manoj differently could be that Mary's bulge was due to a thyroid gland problem, possibly goitre, which is caused by iodine deficiency. Iodine is essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, which produces hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and development. The doctor gave her medication and advised an iodine-rich diet to treat the deficiency.

On the other hand, Manoj's bump was likely the Adam's apple, which is a normal part of growing up in adolescent boys. The Adam's apple is the visible part of the voice box or larynx, which grows larger in boys during puberty due to the influence of testosterone. This is a secondary sexual characteristic and is completely normal, so the doctor told him it was a part of growing up.

Question 9: During adolescence, the boys and girls undergo certain physical changes, a few of which are given below.

(i) Change in voice

(ii) Development of breasts

(iii) Growth of moustache

(iv) Growth of facial hair

(v) Pimples on the face

(vi) Growth of hair in the pubic region

(vii) Growth of hair in armpits

Categorise these changes in the table given below:

Physical changes during adolescence

Observed only in boys: Change in voice, Growth of moustache, Growth of facial hair

Observed only in girls: Development of breasts

Common in boys and girls: Pimples on the face, Growth of hair in the pubic region, Growth of hair in armpits

Now, let me explain this categorisation. Change in voice is more prominent in boys due to the enlargement of the voice box, so it is observed mainly in boys. Growth of moustache and facial hair is also primarily a male characteristic due to testosterone. Development of breasts is a female characteristic. Pimples can occur in both boys and girls due to increased oil production in the skin. Growth of hair in the pubic region and armpits occurs in both boys and girls as part of secondary sexual characteristics.

Question 10: Prepare a poster mentioning the tips for adolescents to live a healthy lifestyle.

For this question, I would suggest including tips like eating a balanced and nutritious diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, maintaining personal hygiene, staying away from harmful substances like tobacco and alcohol, managing stress through relaxation techniques, spending time with family and friends, being responsible on social media, and seeking help from trusted adults when needed.

Now, students, we have covered all the exercises in the chapter. Let me now give you a summary of everything we have learned in this chapter.

In a nutshell, adolescence is the period of change from childhood to adulthood. It generally begins around the age of ten years and usually lasts until nineteen years. Adolescence is marked by significant and characteristic physical, biological, and emotional changes.

Features that help to distinguish the male from the female but are not directly involved in reproduction are called secondary sexual characteristics. These include changes in voice, growth of facial hair, development of breasts, and growth of hair in armpits and pubic region.

Puberty is the stage in which the body of a child undergoes observable and internal changes to develop into an adult capable of reproduction.

Adolescence in girls is also marked by the start of the menstrual cycle, during which there is a discharge of blood generally after every twenty-eight to thirty days, a process called menstruation. Menstruation begins at puberty and generally ends by the age of forty-five to fifty-five years.

Adolescents face several emotional and behavioural changes, including mood swings and increased sensitivity.

Eating a balanced and healthy diet, maintaining good personal hygiene, and participating in physical activities help adolescents to stay healthy.

Addictive substances, such as tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, have adverse effects on the body and mind. It is wise to say 'NO' to these substances and stay away from them.

Changes that take place in the body during adolescence are primarily controlled by certain chemicals produced in the body. These chemicals are called hormones.

Proper guidance and awareness help adolescents manage physical, emotional, and behavioural changes effectively.

Now, students, I want you to remember that adolescence is a special time in your life. It is a time of growth, discovery, and change. While there might be some challenges, there is also so much to look forward to. You are becoming adults, developing your own identities, and preparing for a bright future. Embrace these changes, take care of your body and mind, and always remember that you are not alone. You have your family, teachers, and friends to support you.

Thank you for listening so attentively. Keep learning, keep growing, and stay curious. See you in the next class!