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Growing Up and Feeling Good

 

What is puberty?

Puberty (adolescence) is the time when a child changes into an adult. The change affects the way people look, feel, think and relate to others. Some of these changes might feel great, while others may be confusing or uncomfortable.

Puberty will start at a different time for each person. Many girls will start to notice changes around the age of 10 or 11. Many boys will start to notice changes around the age of 12 or 13. It's different for everybody.

For more information about the changes that happen during puberty for boys and girls see the brochures:

Puberty for Girls http://www.fpq.com.au/factsheets_brochures/Br_PubertyGirls.pdf

Puberty for Boys http://www.fpq.com.au/factsheets_brochures/Br_PubertyBoys.pdf

Some boys and girls may like or dislike what is happening to their body, but puberty is a natural and normal process. It's important to talk to people you trust about growing up. These people might include parents, carers, school teachers, counsellors or Kids Help Line - 1800 55 1800.

Puberty and Relationships

Puberty is a time of discovering new kinds of relationships. Loving and sexual feelings, and feelings of attraction to other people might be experienced. Some people may form relationships quite early while others show no interest until they are older. Everyone is going to feel differently. While everyone goes through puberty, each boy or girl's experience is going to be unique - it's all part of growing up.

Having a Relationship

Having a relationship does not mean you have to have sex. Whatever you do, whether it is kissing, touching, oral sex or sexual intercourse, it should always be something that you and your partner both want to do. Being able to make your own decision about having sex is important. Forcing someone to have sex, or take part in any type of sexual activity that they don't want to, is a crime.

Sex is meant to be:

  • Something you decide to do when you are ready
  • Something that makes you both feel good
  • Something you can interrupt or stop at any time
  • Safe because you both protect yourselves from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy
  • A positive experience, not something to feel bad or guilty about

People can use contraception to prevent pregnancy and condoms to prevent sexually transmitted infections when having sexual intercourse. For more information about making the decision to have a sexual relationship, see the brochure Sex You Decide

http://www.fpq.com.au/factsheets_brochures/Br_Sex_you_decide.pdf

For information about different contraception choices, see the brochure Contraception Choices http://www.fpq.com.au/factsheets_brochures/Br_Contraception_Choices.pdf

In Ipswich, people can get information and advice about sexual health, have a sexual health check, or talk about contraception from the Sexual Health Clinic and the Family Planning Queensland clinic in the Health Plaza in Bell Street. Family doctors (GPs) can also help people care for their sexual health.

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