The Origin of the word Adolescence is from the Latin verb 'adolescere', which means, "to grow up.

" It can be
defined as the transitional stage of development between childhood and full adulthood, representing the period of
time during which a person is biologically adult but emotionally not at full maturity. It represents the period of time
during which a juvenile matures into adulthood.

Major physiologic, cognitive, and behavioral changes take place during this period. During the period of
adolescence, biological development and psychosocial development overlap. A person's body undergoes dramatic
changes.

Psychological issues of adolescents

 Maturity in body leads to an interest in sexual activities, sometimes leading to teenage pregnancy.
 Tendency and possibility of drug and alcohol use.
 In some cases mental problems such as schizophrenia, eating disorders and depression.
 The emotional instability among some adolescents also sometimes causes youth crime.
 Searching for a unique identity is one of the problems that adolescents often face. At this age, role models
such as sports players, rock stars and movie and television

performers are very popular, and adolescents often express a desire to be like their chosen role model.

Developmental tasks such as developing an identity, becoming independent are accomplished in adolescence.
Sexual maturity is attained during this period

As "Adolescence" is a cultural and social phenomenon, its endpoints are not easily tied to physical milestones. It
varies by culture. In the United States, it is generally considered to begin around age 13, and end around 24. But the
World Health Organization (WHO) defines it as the period of life between 10 and 20 years of age.

The terms "adolescents," "youth," "young adults" and "young people" are used interchangeably. Change is the
identification of adolescence. Growth of facial hair for boys and beginning of menstruation for girls, take place from
ages nine to 14 for boys and ages eight to 13 for girls. Young people begin to establish new interests and
relationships. They become independent of their parents.

From adolescent to adult

People become adults at various ages of the teenage years. When an adolescent becomes adult, he considers sexual
relations, marriage and parenthood. These are the signs of maturity. He seeks information and clues about sexual life
from different sources such as parents, peers, religious leaders, health providers, teachers, magazines, books and
mass media. But most of the information he obtained is incorrect, incomplete or misleading.

Sex Education and adolescents

Education on reproduction typically describes the process of a new human being coming into existence in stages
including conception, the development of the embryo and fetus, and the birth of the new baby. It often includes
topics such as sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and how to avoid them, as well as methods of contraception.

Sex education for adolescence is a controversial topic. But the existence of AIDS has given a new dimension to it. In
many AIDS affected African nations, scientists consider sex education as a vital strategy for preserving the health of
citizens.