Adolescence is a time when our bodies, our families, our schools, and the larger society demand that we change. This website provides an introduction to some of the developmental changes that shape our lives between puberty and the end of college. Although each life unfolds in its own unique pattern, this site provides information about basic changes, settings, and issues that are particular to the teenage years.
TO THE LEFT are links to hundreds of articles on specific aspects of adolescent development as well as links to additional resources. Below, you can find information about specific transitions, such as SCHOOL TO WORK, ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS, FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE, as well as autobiographies describing adolescents' own experiences and student answers to questions proposed by middle school teachers.
Since the shootings at Columbine High School, parents, students, and school administrators have all been made aware of how what is often thought of as the normal experience of bullying and loneliness can have tragic consequences. Learn more about adolescent social relationships in this special section of our website.
Students reflect on their own lives and the lives of their families and peers.
Students answer questions about adolescents posed by middle school teachers.
This site was produced by students taking HDFS 433: The Transition to Adulthood and HDFS 239: Adolescent Development at the Pennsylvania State University. Feedback can be sent to the individual authors or to Nancy Darling (Nancy.Darling at oberlin.edu).
This site has been in existance since April 28, 1997 and has had more than half a million visitors.
Last updated 7/7/03.