As well as physical changes all young people will experience social and emotional changes during puberty. These may start before any physical signs are visible. This is also a huge time of change for the brain which can impact on decision making and impulsivity
Changes may include:
Mood swings including irritability, tearfulness, anger, overwhelming happiness or confusion
Intense emotions of love, low self-esteem, frustration and apathy
They may become argumentative and challenge authority or rules
May be physically attracted to others
Begin to want more independence and freedom
Possibly moving to Secondary school and changing peers
Being expected to pick subjects and plan for the future
May want to spend more time alone and crave privacy
Peers become more important
Increased experimentation and risk-taking behaviour
