Puberty is usually talked about with reference to girls—their periods, mood swings, and all the problems they go through. Boys are seldom mentioned. They have no obvious and apparent event such as menstruation which can mark their transition. Often easy to overlook, changes undergone by boys during puberty are very much as important as those that girls face physically or emotionally.
Understanding the Silent Transition
Physically, puberty for boys tosses their hormone levels into a whirl. Voices break, body hair grows, and bodies shape into something new and sometimes awkward. Such changes are usually passed off in humor or sheer silence as if the event were meant for boys to “just deal with it.” But deep down, they go through all kinds of emotions, confusion, self-consciousness, and sometimes insecurity. Often without guidance, internalizing them, they may think they have to face it alone.
Behaviorally, the significant rise of testosterone affects moods, aggression, and impulsiveness. An increase might bring a boy to wonder why he feels angrier or more reactive than before. Body image issues might also beset him while comparing himself partly to peers and media images of masculinity. All these experiences would fashion their identity, through which they would navigate, thus creating an impact on confidence levels and mental health, even in years to come.
So why don’t we talk about it? Probably because society demands that boys toughen up. Or perhaps it’s because changes do not carry cultural milestones like periods do. Whatever the reason, boys are left woefully unprepared to deal with the problems of puberty and adolescence because of silence in these matters.
For boys to turn into men who can stand secure and well-established in life, we must create spaces where they can learn about and discuss their bodies, emotions, and experiences.
Schools can introduce more inclusive sex education that addresses boys’ physical and emotional changes. Parents and mentors can foster open conversations at home, normalizing these topics and showing boys it’s okay to be vulnerable.
By giving boys the tools and support to understand their puberty, we’re not just helping them cope with adolescence—we’re setting them up for healthier relationships, stronger self-esteem, and a better understanding of themselves in adulthood. Puberty in boys isn’t less significant; it’s simply less visible. It’s time we shine a light on it.
The Silent Transformation – Puberty in Boys
Puberty is usually talked about with reference to girls—their periods, mood swings, and all the problems they go through. Boys are seldom mentioned. They have no obvious and apparent event such as menstruation which can mark their transition. Often easy to overlook, changes undergone by boys during puberty are very much as important as those that girls face physically or emotionally.
Understanding the Silent Transition
Physically, puberty for boys tosses their hormone levels into a whirl. Voices break, body hair grows, and bodies shape into something new and sometimes awkward. Such changes are usually passed off in humor or sheer silence as if the event were meant for boys to “just deal with it.” But deep down, they go through all kinds of emotions, confusion, self-consciousness, and sometimes insecurity. Often without guidance, internalizing them, they may think they have to face it alone.
Image Source: www.parents.com
Behaviorally, the significant rise of testosterone affects moods, aggression, and impulsiveness. An increase might bring a boy to wonder why he feels angrier or more reactive than before. Body image issues might also beset him while comparing himself partly to peers and media images of masculinity. All these experiences would fashion their identity, through which they would navigate, thus creating an impact on confidence levels and mental health, even in years to come.
So why don’t we talk about it? Probably because society demands that boys toughen up. Or perhaps it’s because changes do not carry cultural milestones like periods do. Whatever the reason, boys are left woefully unprepared to deal with the problems of puberty and adolescence because of silence in these matters.
For boys to turn into men who can stand secure and well-established in life, we must create spaces where they can learn about and discuss their bodies, emotions, and experiences.
Schools can introduce more inclusive sex education that addresses boys’ physical and emotional changes. Parents and mentors can foster open conversations at home, normalizing these topics and showing boys it’s okay to be vulnerable.
By giving boys the tools and support to understand their puberty, we’re not just helping them cope with adolescence—we’re setting them up for healthier relationships, stronger self-esteem, and a better understanding of themselves in adulthood. Puberty in boys isn’t less significant; it’s simply less visible. It’s time we shine a light on it.
Safety starts with knowledge
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