Boys enter puberty a couple of years after girls and there are some signs of puberty that are unique to boys. This blog talks about the changes boys go through during puberty.
Generally puberty arrives a couple of years later for boys with girls often taking the lead.
And just like girls, when it comes to boys and puberty, they too start to grow under arm and pubic hair and go through changes to the way their bodies look and how they feel.
Puberty brings about significant changes for boys as well, both physically and emotionally.
Here are some aspects of puberty that affect boys differently:
Physical Changes: Boys experience physical changes such as growth spurts, voice deepening and squeaking from time to time, and the development of facial and body hair. They may also experience acne and oily skin due to increased hormone production.
Muscle Growth: During puberty, boys often experience an increase in muscle mass and strength as their bodies undergo growth and development.
Sexual Development: Boys will experience changes in their reproductive organs, including the enlargement of the testes and the production of sperm. They may also experience spontaneous erections and wet dreams as part of their sexual development.
Body Image Concerns: Boys may experience body image concerns as they compare themselves to societal ideals of masculinity. They may feel pressure to conform to certain physical standards and may struggle with body image issues as a result.
Just like you, boys worry about the way they look and very often tease each other about the size of their penises, the amount of facial hair they have and how tall they are.
They may also find it hard to control their emotions. Boys have an increase in a hormone called Testosterone, which can sometimes leave them feeling a little angry, frustrated or aggressive.
They may also act a little immature from time to time. So don’t worry if they start to annoy you or if they tease you about the changes occurring to your body. They are dealing with their own changes too and the best way of dealing with this is to ignore them.
If boys see you getting flustered or embarrassed, they may take it as a sign to carry on. So be cool and just walk away or laugh off any comments they make. If a particular boy or group of boys starts behaving badly or in any way that makes you feel uncomfortable, tell your teacher or parents. They'll make sure any kind of verbal or physical abuse is stopped immediately.
It's important for boys to receive support and guidance as they navigate the changes and challenges of puberty. Encouraging open communication, providing accurate information about puberty, and promoting healthy coping strategies can help boys navigate this transitional period with confidence and resilience.
