Adolescence

Adolescence is the period of life that bridges childhood and adulthood, during which the body and mind undergo rapid physical, emotional and social changes. It typically spans about 10 to 19 years of age, though the exact timing varies from person to person. The specific phase within adolescence when the reproductive system matures is called puberty (roughly 10–14 years at onset).

• In boys: Testosterone, produced by the testes (the male reproductive glands).
• In girls: Oestrogen, produced by the ovaries (the female reproductive glands).

The release of both hormones is triggered by a signal from the pituitary gland at the base of the brain, which is why the pituitary is called the "master gland."

Any three of the following (answer may vary):

• A sudden growth spurt — rapid increase in height and weight.
• Growth of hair in the underarms and pubic region.
• Appearance of pimples or acne on the face.
• Increased sweating and occasionally body odour.
• Deepening of voice in boys; breast development and onset of menstruation in girls.
• Broadening of shoulders in boys and broadening of hips in girls.

Why it matters for both: Menstruation is a normal biological process. When boys also learn about it, myths disappear, girls feel supported instead of ashamed, and schools and homes become kinder, safer spaces. Boys grow up to be thoughtful brothers, friends, husbands and fathers.

How Manoj should respond:

1. Stay calm and not tease or spread the news.
2. Quietly help Mary reach the class teacher or school nurse — many schools keep free sanitary pads for exactly such moments.
3. Reassure her that it is completely normal.
4. Offer her a clean handkerchief or his jacket if she needs to cover any stain, and walk with her respectfully.

A kind friend makes a hard moment easy.

Change	Category
(i) Voice change (deepening/cracking)	Boys only (boys show a marked deepening; girls' voices change only slightly)
(ii) Breast development	Girls only
(iii) Moustache	Boys only
(iv) Facial hair (beard)	Boys only
(v) Pimples / acne	Common to both
(vi) Pubic hair	Common to both
(vii) Armpit hair	Common to both

Cyberbullying is the use of digital devices — smartphones, messaging apps, social media, online games — to harass, threaten, insult, humiliate or exclude another person. It includes mean comments, spreading rumours, sharing private photos without consent, and ganging up online.

What to do if you are cyberbullied:

1. Do not reply — a reply is what the bully is looking for.
2. Take screenshots of messages, usernames, dates and times.
3. Block the account and report it within the app.
4. Tell a trusted adult — parent, teacher, school counsellor.
5. For serious cases, report at cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930.

You are not alone, and you have done nothing wrong.

• Bathe daily with soap, paying attention to underarms, feet and private areas.
• Brush teeth twice a day; rinse mouth after meals.
• Wash hair regularly (2–3 times a week) and keep it tidy.
• Wear clean clothes; change underwear daily.
• Keep nails trimmed and clean.
• Wash hands before eating and after using the toilet.
• For girls during periods: change sanitary pad every 4–6 hours, wash the outer area with clean water daily.
• Use a deodorant or talc if needed; avoid sharing towels or combs.

A good Class 7 poster can be built around five rings — each with a simple, memorable message:

1. Hygiene first: "Bath daily, brush twice, wash hands often."
2. Balanced plate: "Half the plate vegetables & fruits; a quarter grains; a quarter protein; drink 6–8 glasses water."
3. Move every day: "60 minutes of play, sport, dance or cycling."
4. Sleep is super-fuel: "8–10 hours — devices off one hour before bed."
5. Mind matters: "Talk to a trusted adult. Pursue a hobby. Mental health = health."

Add a bright slogan like "Healthy Me, Happy We!" and bold drawings of each ring. Avoid junk food, tobacco, alcohol and drugs — show them crossed out with a red circle.

• It removes shame. Girls who learn about periods before they happen are calmer and more confident when they arrive.
• It busts myths. Harmful ideas like "impure" or "untouchable" disappear when families and teachers speak openly and scientifically.
• It includes boys. Boys who understand menstruation grow into supportive brothers, classmates, friends, husbands and fathers.
• It improves health. Conversations lead to better access to sanitary pads, safe disposal, and timely medical help if needed.
• It keeps girls in school. When periods are treated as natural, girls do not miss classes out of embarrassment — their education continues unbroken.

In short, open conversation turns a natural process into a normal one — and a silent struggle into shared understanding.

Myth	Scientific truth
"A menstruating girl is impure."	Menstruation is a normal biological process driven by hormones — just like breathing or digestion. Nothing about it makes a person impure.
"A girl on her period must not enter the kitchen or touch food."	Touching food does not contaminate it. Hygiene (clean hands) matters; the period itself does not.
"Girls cannot exercise, play or go to school during their periods."	Normal activity, including exercise and school, is perfectly safe and often helpful in easing cramps.
"Menstrual blood is dirty blood."	It is a mix of the uterine lining, some blood and natural fluids — the body's healthy monthly reset.
"Boys should not know about menstruation."	Boys who learn about it become empathetic, supportive family members and classmates.

(Any three of the above are acceptable.)

1. Pause and think. Ask yourself: "Is this safe? Will I regret it tomorrow?" A 10-second pause is powerful.
2. Say a firm but polite "No". "No thanks, I don't want to." You do not owe a long explanation.
3. Give an alternative. "Let's go play football instead," or "Let's study together for the test."
4. Use the "broken record". Repeat your "No" calmly if the friend pushes.
5. Walk away. Real friends respect your choice; those who mock you for saying no are not friends.
6. Choose friends wisely. Spend time with classmates who encourage good habits — studies, sport, music, kindness.
7. Talk to a trusted adult — parent, teacher, elder sibling, school counsellor — especially if the pressure is persistent.
8. Remember the long game. Smoking, alcohol and drugs damage the growing body and brain in ways that are hard to reverse. Skipping school shrinks future opportunities. A brief "cool" moment is never worth a long lifetime cost.

Saying no is a strength — it protects your body, your freedom and your future.