Teenager

Two teens, listening to music together

A teenager, or teen, is someone who is between 13 and 19 years old. The ages vary depending on each country. They are called teenagers because their age number ends with "teen". The word "teenager" is often associated with adolescence. Most neurologists consider the brain still developing into the persons early, or mid-20s. A person begins their teenage life when they become 13 years old, and ends when they become 20 years old. Teenagers who are 18 and 19 years old are, in most nations, both teenagers and adults.

The way the word is used varies. Most societies have rites of passage to mark the change from childhood to adulthood. These ceremonies may be quite elaborate.[1] During puberty, rapid mental and physical development occurs. Adolescence is the name for this transition period from childhood to adulthood.

In the United States, children and young teens from the ages 11–14 go to middle school, while teenagers from the ages of 14-18 typically go to high school.

References

  1. Huet M. & Savary C. 1995. Africa dances. London: Thames & Hudson. ISBN 0-500-54195-7