1. Adolescence

2. Understanding adolescence
What makes someone an adult?

3. The Brain: A work in progress

4. As a concept
Adolescence: the period between the normal onset of puberty and the beginning of adulthood
Puberty: the physical maturing that makes an individual capable of sexual reproduction
As a distinct life stage is the creation of modern industrial society
Not universal and doesn’t exist in many societies
From in the USA, but beginning and end dates are different for just about everyone

5. In other societies young people go from child to adult through “coming of age” ceremonies
Take place around YO
Differ from society to society
Common ceremonies: demonstration of strength or endurance, filing of teeth, tattooing or scarring
Success means adulthood, even though they are teenagers

6. Adolescence in the US Did not exist prior to the Civil War
Only in the last 100 years in industrialized countries
Three Factors important to development of adolescence
Education
Made mandatory up to age 16
Extends the period of adolescence because many students are dependent on others for support
Exclusion from the work force
Child labor laws prevent people from working until 16 (most places)
Not typically full time
Development of the Juvenile Justice System
Distinguishes between juvenile and adult offenders
Separate legal system for young people

7. Characteristics of Adolescence
Biological Growth and Development
Marked by the onset of puberty
Growth spurts, voice changes, development of sexual characteristics
Complexion problems, but only for some (almost all according to American Academy of Dermatology)
Can cause anxiety or embarrassment, especially when it occurs faster or slower than others of the same age

8. Undefined Status
Societal expectations for children and adults are quite clear and known.
Some treat adolescents as children and others as adults
Allowed to marry at 16, vote at 18, drink at 21
Some adults are youth oriented and have adopted values, language, and dress that are popular among teens
Others are often critical of the way adolescents dress, their music, and behavior

9. Increased Decision Making
Children have all decisions made for them
Adolescents make many of their own
What classes, extra curriculars, college, career, etc
Some aren’t a big deal, some can have life changing effects

10. Increased Pressure From many sources
Greatest pressures come from peers
Most teenagers strive for acceptance, to be “in”
Fads and fashions
Billions are spent designing and marketing clothes, cosmetics, sports equipment, movies, and music to teens
Establishing relationships
What does it take to be popular?
How to establish meaningful relationships?
How to maintain meaningful relationships?
Parents set a curfew but what you to have a social life. So you have to strike a balance between your parents wishes and peer pressure from your social groups.

11. The Search for Self
Think about what you want in life and about yourself
Can sort through values and decide what things are really important to them
Establish personal norms that guide behavior
Set priorities for life
Anticipatory Socialization: learning the rights, obligation, and expectations of a rile to prepare for assuming that role in the future
Part time job
Club Membership
Dating
When people know who they are, what they want out of life, and which values will serve them best, they are in a better position to make the most of adulthood.