Many parents wonder when puberty starts in boys and whether their child's behaviour is "normal". There is no single right age and no single right pace.
When does puberty start in boys?
According to the NHS, puberty can start at any point between about 8 and 14[1]. WHO defines adolescence, as a stage of life, as ages 10 to 19[2].
What changes in the body?
Behaviour: what to expect
Puberty doesn't only change the body. Many children become quieter, more sensitive or more irritable. WHO stresses that supportive environments in the family and at school are important for adolescent mental health[3].
- Talk about the changes before they happen, so they don't come as a shock.
- Use the correct words for the body, without embarrassment.
- Respect his need for privacy, but stay available.
When to talk to a paediatrician
The NHS advises a non-urgent appointment with a doctor if signs of puberty appear before 8 or haven't appeared by 15. It notes that usually there is nothing to worry about[4].
Read also: What is puberty? · Puberty in girls · For parents