Supporting Pre-Teens: What to know about puberty, scoliosis checks, and digital safety
The pre-teen years include ages 9 to 12 and are a time of rapid change, growth, and discovery. Parents play a critical role in helping children navigate this transitional stage. Your child’s pediatric provider is a good resource to help make this stage as smooth as possible. Here are three key areas to keep in mind:
- Puberty: Normalizing the changes
Puberty can start as early as 8 in girls and 9 in boys, bringing physical, emotional, and social changes. Hormonal shifts lead to growth spurts, body odor, skin changes, and mood swings. For girls, breast development and menstruation may begin; for boys, testicular enlargement and voice changes are common. Parents can help their child by starting conversations early about body changes, normalizing emotions and mood swings as part of hormonal changes, and teaching healthy ways to cope, and providing hygiene products like deodorant, face wash, or menstrual supplies before they’re needed. - Scoliosis checks: Early detection matters
Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine which often emerges during the growth spurts of puberty. Pediatric providers screen for scoliosis during well-child visits, usually between ages 10–12. It’s a simple physical exam where your child bends forward, and we look for uneven shoulders or hips. Early detection can prevent worsening curvature and, in many cases, avoids the need for more intensive treatment. - Digital safety: Setting smart boundaries
Pre-teens are spending more time online for school, games, and social interaction. It’s the perfect time to talk about healthy digital habits. Discuss screen time limits, appropriate content, and the importance of privacy. Teach your child never to share personal information online and to tell a trusted adult if something makes them uncomfortable. Using parental controls and keeping devices in common areas can support safe use.
Final thoughts
Supporting pre-teens means recognizing the whole child’s body, mind, and social world. Regular check-ups at Fairhope Pediatrics give us a chance to monitor development, answer questions, and partner with you through this important season. If you ever have concerns about your child’s growth, behavior, or safety please bring them to us. We’re here to help.