what changes happen during adolescence

During adolescence, the biggest changes are physical, brain-based, emotional, and social. It is the transition from childhood to adulthood, and it includes puberty, faster thinking skills, stronger identity formation, and changing relationships with family and friends.

Physical changes

• Growth spurts in height and weight.
• Puberty and sexual development.
• Body odor, acne, and more body hair.
• Voice changes and body-shape changes.

Brain and thinking

• More abstract and complex thinking.
• Better reasoning about ethics, consequences, and possibilities.
• Improved memory, attention, and problem-solving over time.
• The brain systems for impulse control and planning are still developing into the mid-20s.

Emotions and identity

• Stronger awareness of feelings.
• More mood ups and downs for some teens.
• A growing sense of identity, values, and purpose.
• Questioning beliefs and exploring who they are.

Social changes

• More importance placed on friends and peers.
• More interest in romance and sexuality.
• A push for independence from parents or caregivers.
• Changes in school, hobbies, online presence, and risk-taking.

Simple view

Adolescence is basically a period where the body matures, the brain gets more capable, and a young person starts building adult identity and independence.

TL;DR: Adolescence brings puberty, rapid growth, brain development, emotional shifts, and a stronger search for identity and independence.