A Puberty Timeline
What are the signs of puberty in most boys? The Tanner Scale developed by James Tanner in 1969 was based on a 20-year study and is still commonly used today. It breaks down puberty into 5 stages. The changes within each stage are gradual and they don’t always happen in the same order (they didn’t happen that way to me). It’s also important to remember that the stages of puberty in most boys also involves social and emotional changes just as much as the physical changes, and it does not mention them!
The 5 Stages of Puberty for Boys
Stage One
Hormones are released (mainly testosterone)
Testicles and scrotum grow
Maybe sperm production begins
Maybe pubic hair
Stage Two (all of the above and...)
Growth spurt
Body shape changes
Muscles grow
Nipples may get tender and sore
Stage Three (all of the above and...)
Penis gets longer
Voice breaks
Ejaculation
Wet dreams
Pimples
Stage Four (all of the above and...)
Facial hair more noticeable
Stage Five (all of the above and stop)
Full height
Chest hair
What are the signs of puberty in most boys? The changes within each stage are gradual and they don’t always happen in the same order (they didn’t happen that way to me). It’s also important to remember that puberty also involves social and emotional changes just as much as the physical changes, and it does not mention them!
Stage One - ages 9-12
The pituitary gland in the brain starts releasing hormones, particularly testosterone, about 1 or 2 years before you will physically see the signs that puberty has begun. It’s often hard to notice that puberty has begun in most boys because the testicles grow and so this is not always noticeable! They start to produce sperm but do not ejaculate yet. The scrotum also gets bigger and darker, and some boys grow the beginning of pubic hair.
Stage Two - ages 9-15
Growth spurt begins, body shape changes and muscles start to grow. It’s important to remember that their body does not grow all at the same time; they may put on weight and stretch marks might appear. Nipples may become tender and sore but this will settle down.
Stage Three - ages 11-16
The penis starts to grow longer, not usually wider yet. Testicles and scrotum continue to grow bigger and darker and more frequent erections occur. This happens because of sexual feelings, masturbation, and spontaneous erections, and they might start to ejaculate. Their faces start to mature and look more adult like. Pubic and body hair gets thicker, darker, coarser, increases and spreads out. Chest broadens, height and muscles all continue to grow. Usually, a really noticeable sign at this stage is that voices start to break as the muscles in the voice box widen and grow longer. They sweat, get body odour and pimples.
Stage Four - ages 11-17
The penis grows longer and wider and it looks more adult-like. Testicles and scrotum continue to grow and get darker. More frequent erections occur and wet dreams may continue or begin. Body hair thickens and facial hair becomes noticeable. The skin gets oilier and therefore pimples and acne may be more visible and their voice continues to deepen.
Stage Five - ages 14-18
Full height is reached. Pubic hair and genitals look like an adult and chest hair is growing.
As I always I say at ‘Amazing Me’, everyone is different, so sometimes the stages don’t all align with what is happening. The most important thing is that your child feels normal. Even though puberty generally has a predictable order, genetics, environment and culture can also play a part.
Knowing the sequence to puberty can help you understand your child’s development and recognise what you need to talk about with them. It also helps everyone to understand and accept the changes. You can help your child to be prepared, get through it and normalise conversations about what’s going on.
The Boy's Body Book
This book is recommended for kids aged 9-12 years.
Growing Up Great
This book is recommended for kids aged 8-14 years.
