Puberty

Puberty is the word used to describe all the changes that begin to happen when a child turns into an adult.

Puberty is also a time for young people when changes happen much more quickly than they might be used to.

Some of these changes are physical and so are easier to see, but a lot of changes can affect how young people think and feel on the inside too.

This puberty booklet (PDF 2.6KB) is written by people who understand puberty and want to help guide young people and their adults through this time and has lots of information to help young people feel happy, safe and well!

So, if you or someone you know wants answers to questions like:

• What are all the changes that happen during puberty?
• How do I look after myself?
• Do I have any questions I have been too afraid to ask?

Read or download the puberty booklet (PDF 2.6KB).

Where to get help

• Kids Help Line (24 hour) (external site) – You can call if you have any sort of problem you'd like to talk about confidentially with a trained counsellor. Phone: 1800 551 800 (free from a land line only)
• Sexual Health Quarters (SHQ) – Sexual Health Helpline (external site)
  Confidential information and referrals from clinicians around contraception, sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancy. Phone: (08) 9227 6178 (metro) and 1800 198 205 (country)
  Email: sexhelp@shq.org.au
  
• healthdirect (24 hour) (external site)
  You can visit the website for more information about puberty, or call to speak with a registered nurse for health advice. Phone: 1800 022 222
• Sexual Assault Resource Centre (24 hour emergency line) (external site)
  For people who have been affected by sexual assault or sexual abuse. Phone: (08) 9340 1828 (metro) or 1800 199 888 (country – free from land line only)
• The Butterfly Foundation (external site)
  If you need support for eating disorders and body image issues you can chat on the phone, online or by email. Phone: 1800 334 673
• Headspace (external site)
  If you are a young person aged 12 to 25 and need information relating to general mental health, physical health, work and study, drugs and alcohol you can chat online or via email. Phone: 1800 650 890
• Youth Beyond Blue (24 hour) (external site)
  If you are going through tough times, feeling sad, down, anxious or stressed you can call the help line or chat online. Phone: 1300 224 636

Other free helpful resources

Teenagers and adults may also like to read or download Relationships, sex and other stuff.

Parents may also want to read download Talk soon. Talk often. If you prefer to browse this resource online then you can visit the interactive website (external site).

Teachers and parents may want to explore specific relationship and sexuality education topics such as consent, families, gender or the law. If you need more information then there are many different resources on the Department of Health Growing and Developing Healthy Relationships website (external site).

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This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.