Teens - Health & Well-Being

Growth & Development

Teens need a lot of sleep because their bodies are growing and changing quickly. These changes mean puberty. Your teen's body will become adult-like in size, shape and sound. While girls physically mature at younger ages than boys – at around age 15 for girls and 16 for boys – it's important to keep in mind that all children develop at different rates depending on heredity and other factors.

For many teens, puberty and the next few years can be very difficult because their bodies are adult-like but their minds are still developing. Often the quick physical changes do not give teens much time to adjust to their bodies and changing hormones. Many teens are confused about the different messages they receive from family, friends and media about sexuality, independence and the teen years.

• Children's Dental Program and Fact Sheets
  Find out how the S.M.I.L.E. Plus program can help children in the Winnipeg Health Region and learn about good oral care.
• Immigrants and Refugee Services (SERC)
• Puberty in Boys
  Find out what physical changes to expect during this stage.
• Puberty in Girls
  Find out what physical changes to expect during this stage.
• Sexuality Education Resource Centre
• Sexuality Education: For Parents withe Pre-Teens and Teens
• Teen Clinics in Rural & Northern Manitoba
• Teen Clinics in Winnipeg
• Teens and Sleep: Why you need it and how to get enough
• Using Menstrual Tampons
  Using tampons instead of pads is a personal decision. However, using tampons may present certain health risks, like an increased risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome.