Normal Development: 15 to 17 Years Old

Some attitudes, behaviors, and physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages. It is perfectly natural for a teen to reach some milestones earlier and others later than the general trend. The following are general guidelines for the stages of normal development.

Physical Development

• Most girls complete the physical changes related to puberty by age 15.
• Boys continue to mature and gain strength, muscle mass, and height. Sexual traits also continue to develop.

Emotional Development

• May stress over school and test scores.
• May have high expectations and low self-image.
• Seeks privacy and time alone.
• Worries that they are not physically or sexually attractive.
• May complain that parents try to keep them from doing things independently.
• Start to want both physical and emotional closeness in relationships.

Social Development

• Seeks friends who share the same beliefs, values, and interests. Friends become more important.
• Explores romantic and sexual behaviors with others.
• May be influenced by peers to take risks with alcohol, tobacco, sex, or other things.

Mental Development

• Is better able to set goals and think in terms of the future.
• Has a better understanding of complex problems and issues.
• Starts to develop moral ideals and to select role models.

If you have any concerns about your teen's development, check with your healthcare provider.