At this stage the young person begins a search for personal identity that may include explorations of identity including the sexual self, political and philosophical ideas, and greater separation from parents and family of origin. Although family remains important, peer relationships shift to the foreground and the young person tests the limits of authority and their new found sexual identity. They are involved with the business of collectively defining the values and concerns of their emerging generation.

This stage is characterised by strong emotional responses and mood swings. Young people may challenge the authority of their elders and rely heavily on friendships with peers to meet their emotional needs. They will move rapidly between wanting to be treated like autonomous adults to being childlike and dependent again. They are at the same time desperate for greater independence and frightened of that freedom. They may challenge the authority of home and school and expect greater autonomy and negotiated outcomes.

The teenage years can be characterised by a developing loss of innocence as young people begin to make their own sense of their personal and family circumstances. This can be a painful and distressing time, particularly for children who are Looked After, or have experienced significant loss in their early life. Adolescence is also a time of risk taking behaviour that may include some anti-social behaviours, and experimentation with alcohol, drugs, sex and intimate relationships. Boys are learning to cope with surges of testosterone, new physical strength and sexual urges and romantic feelings. Girls are adjusting to periods, the challenges of sexual fertility, sexual and romantic feelings and male sexual attention. Both sexes are developing physical and sexual maturity but remain emotionally immature and inexperienced, relying on adults to, both protect them from over exposure to risk and make room for their developing autonomy.

Young people who identify as transgender, non-binary, gender fluid or intersex may face a whole range of additional challenges, which we will not cover here. But we know that these young people are at greater risk of developing mental health difficulties, so they are worth watching out for because they may need additional support. This is also true for young people who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or asexual. Stonewall is a good source of information and support if you would like to find out more.

However young people identify in terms of sex, sexuality and gender, the period of adolescence sees another growth spurt in the brain as their increased interactions and experience of the wider world demand new neural pathways.

It used to be thought that the brain was fully developed by late adolescence but recent scientific insights indicate that the prefrontal cortex responsible for cognition and judgement is not fully developed until the late twenties.

The brain remains a highly plastic organ receptive to nurturing, care giving and supportive relationships throughout the life cycle.

As a parent this can be a challenging time, our children begin to push boundaries and formulate their own views and opinions. I would say if this is the case then wow you have done a great job in allowing your children to grow and for them to feel like they can have a voice. It may not feel like a good job done when you are pulling your hair out and finding yourself being challenged by your children. BUT YOU HAVE. Sit and talk to your child, find out what it is they are pushing against and challenging you about. Communication is key, Compromise rethink your expectations, be willing to explore change and keep an open mind.

Hopefully the article above gives some information on the adolescents journey.