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Adolescence (from Latin adolescere: to grow up) is the period of life between puberty and adulthood. It is a process of psychological, social and biological maturation which leads to becoming an adult. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines adolescence as the period of life between 10 and 19 years of age. [1]
Puberty in contrast, is a process of physical maturatity which involves the secondary sexual characteristics and leads to fertility. Physical changes include a deeper voice in boys, breast development in girls, menstrual periods, growth of pubic hair and facial hair.
Cultural norms and standards of acceptable teenage sexual behaviour have varied through out human history.
Current data suggests that most young people in the United States begin having sexual intercourse during their teenage years. Slightly more than half of females and nearly two-thirds of males have had intercourse by their 18th birthday. [2]
Adolescents who are virgins (defined as never having had vaginal intercourse) may still be sexually active and may behave in ways that put them at risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Studies show that teenagers who take 'virginity pledges' are actually more likely to engage in oral or anal sex than nonpledging virgin teens and less likely to use condoms once they become sexually active.[3]
Adolescent sexual behaviour in modern society may include:
Sexually explicit conversations with peers
Obscenities and jokes
Sexual innuendo, flirting and courtship
Interest in erotica
Masturbation
Hugging, kissing, holding hands
Foreplay (petting, making out, fondling) and mutual masturbation
Oral Intercourse
Vaginal Intercourse [4]
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Editor: Karene Jade Howie
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