The onset of puberty results in several physical, emotional and mental changes for teenage boys. During this stage of life, families and friends play an important part in supporting the health and wellbeing of young men.
1. Why is my teenage boy so moody?
The teenage brain develops considerably from puberty through to the age of 20-23. The prefrontal cortex – the part of the brain that helps us make decisions, solve problems and regulate actions and behaviours – is the last part of the brain to fully develop. Because of this, teenage boys (and young adult men) can often be impulsive and reactive, appear to not think things through and can even be aggressive.
To help support your teenager, try to remain calm during outbursts and when given the opportunity, take time to actively listen. Remind yourself that mood swings at this age are generally only temporary and are most likely occurring as a result of the physiological changes that they are experiencing.
Whilst mood changes are a normal part of puberty, it is important to keep a check on the duration, severity and impact their moodiness is having on everyday life. If you are concerned that your teenager might be suffering more than normal, please consult a healthcare professional to ensure there isn’t a more serious mental health issue that needs addressing.
2. What can I do about my teenage son’s acne?
During the teenage years, hormones signal the body to overproduce sebum – an oily, waxy substance that protects the skin. When the excess sebum is combined with dead skin cells and bacteria, it can result in acne. Boys are more susceptible to acne vulgaris and it can affect the face, back, neck and chest.
To help reduce the severity of teenage acne, boys should be encouraged to wash their face morning and night with a face wash (specific teenage skincare products are generally lower in oil and made from gentle ingredients). This can help remove dead skin cells, bacteria, and excess oil.
Taking a daily probiotic may also help reduce the severity of acne. Probiotics can prevent the growth of harmful bacteria by calming the inflammatory response that accompanies acne and other skin conditions.
3. What growth and changes can you expect?
During puberty, teenage boys experience a significant amount of physical growth. The scrotum, testes and penis will grow, as will their hands, legs, and arms. Sometimes the latter will grow faster than the rest of their body, which can result in perceived ‘clumsiness’. From the age of 12 up to 20, boys can experience a height increase of anywhere between 10 to 30cm. They also experience a deepening voice, growth of facial and public hair, and an increase in sweating. When going through changes, boys can feel self-conscious, insecure, anxious and withdrawn.
Families can support young men through this stage of growth by having conversations before these changes occur. Open discussions can help boys understand what changes to expect and why they happen, including how these changes can happen to boys at different rates.
4. What should my teenage son be eating?
An increase in appetite coincides with the growth and changes of teenage boys. Between the ages of 14 and 17, boys’ calorie needs tend to increase significantly to help fuel physical changes.
Good nutrition during this time will help to support bone growth, hormonal changes, and organ and tissue development. Unfortunately, this also comes at a time when teenage boys are starting to exercise independence and decision making and so, without the correct guidance, boys can easily slip into poor eating and nutrition habits. It’s important to encourage your son to include whole grains, a variety of fruit and vegetables, and protein-rich foods in their diet.
Protein is important for energy, muscle growth, and repair. The best way for teenage boys to get their recommended dietary intake (RDI) of protein is through food sources such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy foods. Protein powders are another good option for convenience and supplementing; when choosing a protein powder for teenage boys, look for one that is made with either grass-fed whey, or pea and rice protein. Be mindful that a good protein powder should not contain sugars, artificial sweeteners, fillers or oils.
Both zinc and vitamin A can support teenagers through this phase of significant growth. Zinc can support the reproductive, immune, endocrine, and neurological systems, while vitamin A can support sexual development and strengthen the immune system.
Parents and caregivers need to be positive role models by practising healthy eating habits. Having a variety of nutritious meals and snacks that are easy to grab on hand will encourage teenage boys to make nutritious choices.
5. Why is my teenage son staying up later?
During puberty, many boys will change their sleep patterns. Not wanting to go to bed at either 8 or 9 pm can seem like defiance but it is actually a change in their circadian rhythm. This shift is called ‘sleep phase delay’ and usually means boys won’t start to feel tired until 10 or 11 pm.
However, they still need an average of nine hours of sleep at night, so encouraging good sleep patterns is important. Lack of sleep can exacerbate mood swings, impact their ability to concentrate, increase hyperactivity or decrease energy levels.
To help teen boys get the right amount of sleep, parents should have set routines for their teenage sons. Encourage wind-down activities from 8 or 9 pm, reduce their screen time before bed (including restricting the use of phones and screens in bedrooms), and support a balance of sport/physical activity and schoolwork.
6. Is anxiety common in teenage boys?
Anxiety is common for all boys between the ages of 9-18 and is often exacerbated by the emotional, physical, and social changes that pre-teens and teenagers experience. Feeling anxious is a normal part of life and in some situations can be positive. Feeling anxious can make teenagers think about situations they are in and sense when something doesn’t feel ‘right’ or ‘safe’.
Mild anxiety can be managed with sensible sleep patterns, regular exercise, and a healthy diet. Some over-the-counter herbs and supplements can help to reduce stress and/or improve sleep. However, medical support should be considered if the teenager is constantly feeling on edge, nervous or worrisome; feels anxious for extended periods (weeks or months), or is unable to go to school, social events, and do other everyday activities.
The teenage years can be challenging for both the boy and the parents or caregivers, but creating a healthy environment can help shape young men into thriving adults.
For further reading, visit Better Health Channel or Health Direct.
