INFO SHEET
3
PUBERTY
Information for foster
and kinship carers
As a foster or kinship carer you may have a child in your
care that is either about to go through, or is going through,
puberty. Puberty describes the period of time when a child
physically develops to sexual maturity and experiences
significant emotional and social changes. Young people
generally experience puberty between the ages of nine and
16. However, it is important to remember that each young
person is different.
Why is it important to talk about puberty?
Children have the right to receive information and support
about their growth and development. All children go
through puberty however evidence suggests children in
care have less access to relationships and sexual health
information, education and services. Research also shows
children in care have poorer sexual health outcomes
than peers not in care. Compared to other children they
may have:
• higher rates of earlier onset of sexual activity,
pregnancy, parenting and sexually transmissible
infections
• higher rates of sexual abuse and sexual behaviours
that cause concern.
The good news is that children who receive
comprehensive age-appropriate relationships and
sexuality education from an early age are more likely to
make informed and responsible sexual decisions later
in life and are less vulnerable to sexual abuse. They are
also more likely to feel comfortable with their changing
bodies, feelings and relationships.
When should I start discussing puberty?
Learning about puberty can start in early childhood, for example, by learning about body
parts. This information can be reinforced and expanded on in the years leading up to
puberty. Puberty is just one part of growing up and developing.
Be factual and positive when answering questions about puberty. By sharing
information in a positive way, you are sending the message that puberty is normal and
healthy and you are happy talking about. Providing information and reassurance about
the changes happening to their body can help reduce feelings of anxiety for children
as they develop into adults and increase their confidence and self-esteem.
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What happens when puberty occurs?
Puberty generally begins between the ages of nine
and 16 years, with girls often noticing changes in their
bodies before boys do. However, all young people will
experience puberty differently. Puberty changes happen
gradually over a few years, boys and girls will generally
notice initial physical changes such as a growth spurt,
increased sweating, oilier skin and hair, pubic hair and
underarm hair. They are likely to also experience social
and emotional changes such as mood swings, wanting
more independence and wanting to spend more time
with their friends. Other changes such as periods (girls),
wet dreams (boys) and sexual feelings will generally
occur after the initial changes.
How do I encourage healthy attitudes and behaviours?
Be open with the child from an early age and provide lots of age appropriate
information.
Provide books about puberty; follow up by discussing the information at an
appropriate time and answering their questions in an age appropriate manner.
Share your own experiences, particularly those that were positive if they are
appropriate. Reassure them the changes are normal and healthy.
If they are an early or late developer, remind them everyone is different and
encourage them to appreciate the way they are experiencing puberty is right
for them.
Discuss ‘What if …’ scenarios with the child, such as ‘What would
you do if you got your period in class time’, or ‘What if you
don’t have a pad or tampon in your bag’, or ‘What if you think
someone in your class is cute’ or ‘What if you experienced an
erection while you were coming home on the bus’. Then you
can think of possible actions and solutions together.
Respect the young person’s privacy and allow them
time alone.
Remind the young person they should never feel pressured
into doing anything they are not ready for and discuss
other people’s right to say no as well as yes.
Ensure you provide accurate information about
contraception and safer sex practices.
Talk to children and young people about
qualities of healthy relationships and how
to be safe online when using social media,
for example, Facebook, Instagram and
snapchat.
Where can I find information
about puberty?
There are many resources including books,
fact sheets and videos that can support you
to talk about puberty with a child in your
care. Talk to your Child Safety Officer about
what information and assistance may be
needed to support the child or young
person in your care to go through puberty.
This information sheet belongs to a suite of three information sheets
developed to help foster and kinship carers talk about puberty, sexuality
and relationships. The three information sheets are available on the
Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services website
at www.communities.qld.gov.au/childsafety. The other two information
sheets are:
• Communicating about relationships and sexuality with children
and young people
• Sexual behaviours in children and young people
For further information and resources to assist
in talking about relationships and sexuality
with a child or young person in your care, visit
True Relationships and Reproductive Health’s
website at www.true.org.au