Teens

The period of human development that starts with puberty (approximately 10 to 12 years of age) and ends with physiological and neurobiological maturity, shown in neuroscientific research to extend to at least 20, with significant brain development in the late adolescent stage.

Major changes occur at varying rates in physical characteristics, sexual characteristics, and sexual interest, and young people acquire enhanced abilities to think abstractly, make rational decisions, evaluate reality, assess data, reflect inwardly, create complex models of understanding, and project complicated future scenarios.

Adolescents also increase their peer focus and involvement in peer-related activities, place greater emphasis on social acceptance, and seek more independence and autonomy from parents.

Adapted from the APA Dictionary of Psychology

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Health advisory on AI and adolescent well-being

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Healthy video viewing: A guide for parents of teens

The science of how social media affects youth

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Health advisory on social media use in adolescence

Resources from APA

New research on Black girlhood expands developmental science

Engaging Black girls as partners in studying their own experiences

What AI is doing to young brains

Psychologists are untangling how AI use may shape the next generation

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Recommendations for helping school communities respond to extreme heat

Call for papers: Advancing psychiatric rehabilitation for emerging and young adults

Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal seeks manuscripts advancing recovery among emerging and young adults

More resources about teens

What APA is doing

Advocacy

Children, youth, and families

APA Services advocates for policies to prevent children’s exposure to violence and expand access to treatment and essential services for children who have experienced violence.

Divisions

Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology

APA’s Division 53 promotes scientific inquiry, training, professional practice, and public policy in clinical child and adolescent psychology as a means of improving the welfare and mental health of children, youth, and families in the context of a diverse society.

Offices

Children, youth, and families portfolio

The Children, Youth, and Families office aims to advance the creation, communication, and application of psychological knowledge on child development issues to benefit society and improve the lives of all children and their families.