To a greater or lesser degree, most teens begin pushing against authority's limits - and their own.

Unfortunately, it will be some time before your teen also achieves a full awareness of consequences.

This can lead to early experimentation with cigarettes, alcohol and drugs, and some young teens also begin to experiment sexually, paying little heed to the risk of pregnancy or disease.

Image problems
Teens of both sexes may begin to worry about their development or lack of it. Many girls become fixated on the magazine images of beautiful models and become depressed when their own bodies don't seem to fit the same mould. Boys may become concerned at their penis' growth rate or overall delayed physical development. They may wonder why they are not developing a masculine physique or fear they are too skinny, chubby or short compared to their peers.

If your teen seems to be severely concerned with negative body image, consider making an appointment with your doctor.

• Development 13-15 Yrs: Changing Bodies
• Development 13-15 Yrs: Expanding Minds
• Development 13-15 Yrs: Friends & Family
• Development 13-15 Yrs: Friends & Romance