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What is puberty?

I'm a 10 yr old girl and everyone at school is talking about puberty and I think I'm the only one that doesn't know exactly what it means. What is puberty?
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Sam

Hi there,

Puberty means the changes that your body will start to go through. Lots of these changes happen in your early teens. Both boys and girls go through puberty, and lots of changes will happen during this time.  

For girls puberty usually happens between the ages of 10 and 16. Some girls can start puberty earlier and some later. Changes include growing taller and growing hair under your arms, on your legs and between your legs. You’ll also find that your breasts and hips will start to grow and your body will have more curves. Everyone is different.

It might seem as though everyone around you knows what puberty means, but growing up can be a confusing time. Young people often have lots of questions about puberty. You might like to look at our puberty for girls page for more information on puberty. It might answer some of the questions you might have about it.

If you’re still feeling confused or unsure, you can talk to a ChildLine counsellor.  They receive lots of questions from young people every day with questions about puberty and growing up.

Take care,
Sam.

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