Generation next

Understanding teenagers' development

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What's changing at different ages?

Children may start secondary school as nervous 11-year-olds, but they’ll finish as young adults planning their next steps.
By the time they’re 18, what they can do physically, mentally and legally is a world away from when they were 11.
Here’s a quick look at what’s going on. Remember, these are just guides – everyone develops in their own way.

Ages 11 - 14

What's changing?	What they'll be doing
Physical	Puberty is usually in full swing with growth spurts, body hair and other bodily changes Girls may start their periods Boys’ voices may deepen
Emotional and social	Increased sensitivity, self-consciousness and a need to belong Moral development and self esteem starts to form Seeking independence Friendships can take priority over family More interest in romantic relationships
Cognitive	They start understanding the long-term consequences of their actions They realise information can be interpreted in different ways

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Ages 14 - 18

What's changing?	What they'll be doing
Physical	Puberty continues Growing awareness of body image
Emotional and social	Emotional highs and lows are common Relationships continue to develop Self-discovery matters more
Cognitive	More sophisticated thinking and an understanding of other views – although they may be convinced their view is the correct one
Other milestones	Between 11 and 18 may: Sit exams and other tests Make big decisions about their future (university/apprenticeship) Leave school Start their first job Leave home (from 16, although parents / carers remain responsible for their safety until they turn 18). Legally, they’ll be able to: Have sex at 16 Learn to drive at 17 Buy alcohol at 18 Get married at 18, or 16 in Scotland Vote (the age you can vote depends on where you live).

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Vaccinations don’t end in primary school

In secondary school, the NHS offers:

HPV vaccine
3-in-1 teenage booster (tetanus, diptheria, polio)
MenACWY vaccine (meningitis and septicaemia)

The school usually organises these. If you think your child has missed a vaccination, check with their GP surgery.

Schedules may differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and new vaccinations may be added, so check your nation’s NHS guidance for specifics. Here are the links for:

When is it time to seek professional advice?

With so many changes and transitions, it’s important to keep talking and keep monitoring how your child is responding. Emotions are high during these years; however, you know your child, and you know when things are beyond their ‘norm’. If you’re concerned, speak to other family members and friends and see if they have noticed anything.

Speak to your GP, school pastoral team, special needs support staff, or a charity that supports adolescents if you notice:

Persistent low mood or withdrawal
Self-harm
Changes in eating habits
Sleep changes
Your own gut feeling that something isn’t right.

Support for our members

If you’re an AXA Health member and 18+, you can call our 24/7 health support line on 0800 003 004 and talk to a healthcare professional at any time of the day or night.

The 24/7 health support line cannot respond to emergencies. If you need an urgent response or have a medical emergency, please call 111/999 or go to A&E. Our health professionals don’t diagnose or prescribe, and don’t replace your GP.

We’ve also signposted some handy resources and charities that are available to use and reach out to:

See resources