Growing up well: a holistic approach to puberty education for preadolescents

Abstract

During puberty, adolescents may face challenges such as anxiety, low self-esteem, irritability, and fear of rejection. Factors such as family environment, peer relationships, academic pressure, and social media exposure can influence emotional health. Understanding puberty helps reduce fear and confusion, enabling children to accept these changes as a normal part of growth. The objective was to promote healthy development, to provide accurate and age-appropriate information and to adopt healthy lifestyle. Opinion box system for emotional expressions, holistic adolescent support framework, a “guru–student” model, yoga into daily school assembly, short mindfulness before start of every class, prayers or value-based readings such as Thirukkural can enhance moral development. Integrated puberty education and protection model, community-based child safety display model contributes to broader goals of national development and child protection. Studies on Innovative technology using Artificial Intelligence, Role-play-based research helps to create awareness and build confidence in real-life situations. Collaboration between the health and education sectors can facilitate the development of school health programs, adolescent-friendly services, and community awareness initiatives. Puberty education is highly relevant in the Indian context, where cultural values, family systems and social expectations strongly influence a child’s development.