Puberty: Emotional and mental health activity

Teaching young people about puberty helps to equip them for a period of significant change.

Hormones cause young people’s bodies to change shape and develop – both internally and externally - and the adolescent brain undergoes major developmental changes which influences feelings and behaviour.

Young people need our support and understanding to navigate this process of transition from childhood to becoming an adult.

Good puberty education can also play a role in breaking down gender stereotypes. Learning about sexual identity and desire promotes tolerance and understanding and by teaching everyone about periods, we challenge stigma and empower young people to understand their bodies and fertility.

By the end of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Describe the 4 main challenges of adolescence
• Describe at least 2 key experiences which occur during adolescence
• Understand that adolescence is universal stage in human development and that experiences of adolescence are unique depending on individual characteristics and life circumstances

This resource is part of the Brook Learn Puberty course created in partnership with Lil-Lets, a leading UK feminine hygiene brand with over 60 years of expertise.

For more resources and information to help you deliver safe and effective RSE, including lessons on puberty, visit the Brook website.