What age range is commonly associated with adolescence?

The commonly accepted age range for adolescence is 12 to 18 years. This period is characterized by significant physical, psychological, and social changes, as individuals transition from childhood to adulthood. During adolescence, individuals experience puberty, which involves hormonal changes leading to the development of secondary sexual characteristics and growth spurts.

This age range is also linked to various developmental stages, including cognitive maturation and identity formation, which play essential roles in shaping an adolescent's social life and self-perception. Recognizing this age bracket helps educators, healthcare professionals, and exercise physiologists tailor programs and interventions to effectively address the unique needs of adolescents.

In contrast, the other age ranges presented do not align with the standard definition of adolescence. The age range of 8 to 12 years typically corresponds to late childhood, while 18 to 24 years is usually associated with emerging adulthood, a period where individuals explore their independence. Lastly, the 24 to 30 years range is often regarded as early adulthood, a phase of life that involves further establishment of personal and professional identity.