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The Daily Insight

What is puberty short answer?

Author

Christopher Harper

Updated on April 02, 2026

Puberty is the time in life when a boy or girl becomes sexually mature. It is a process that usually happens between ages 10 and 14 for girls and ages 12 and 16 for boys.

What happens during puberty?

Puberty is when a child’s body begins to develop and change as they become an adult. Girls develop breasts and start their periods. Boys develop a deeper voice and facial hair will start to appear. The average age for girls to begin puberty is 11, while for boys the average age is 12.

What are the 5 stages of puberty?

What Are the Five Stages of Puberty?

  • Tanner stage 1. Describes a child’s appearance before physical signs appear. Signs of stage 1 that occur are not visible.
  • Tanner stage 2. Boys: Enlargement of scrotum and testes.
  • Tanner stage 3. Boys: Enlargement of penis (length at first)
  • Tanner stage 4. Boys:
  • Tanner stage 5. Boys:

How long is puberty for a girl?

In girls, puberty usually begins between the ages of 9 and 14. Once it begins, it lasts about 2 to 5 years.

What are the signs of puberty in a girl?

Here’s an overview of the major physical changes girls can expect as they go through puberty:

  • Breast Development. Girls usually begin puberty between the ages of 8 and 13 years old.
  • Body Hair.
  • Vaginal Discharge.
  • Periods.
  • Increase in Height.
  • Wider Hips.
  • Other Common Changes.
  • Parent FAQs about girls & changing bodies:

What are the first visible signs of puberty?

The first signs of puberty are followed 1 or 2 years later by a noticeable growth spurt. Her body will begin to build up fat, particularly in the breasts and around her hips and thighs, as she takes on the contours of a woman. Her arms, legs, hands, and feet will also get bigger.

What is the final stage of puberty?

Tanner stage 5: This final phase marks the end of physical maturation. Girls: Usually, puberty occurs around the age of 15 years. Changes include: Breasts reach approximate adult size and shape, although breasts may change till the age of 18 years.

What age do girls start periods?

Typically, you’ll start your periods about 2 years after your breasts start growing and about a year after getting a white vaginal discharge. The average girl will get her first period around 12 years old, but it varies from person to person.